13-01-2026

Fed Chair Powell Faces Criminal Investigation Controversy

Date: 13-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cnbc.com: 1 | economist.com: 2 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | nypost.com: 2
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Image Prompt:

Jerome Powell testifying before Congress, intense scrutiny on his face, documentary-style photography with a 50mm lens, harsh overhead lighting with a shallow depth of field, capturing the gravity of the situation and the weight of responsibility, amidst a backdrop of rising stock tickers and financial screens displaying record highs.

Summary

A criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has sparked widespread criticism and concerns about the independence of the Fed, with former Fed chairs and lawmakers from both parties condemning the move as a politicized attack, while US investors remain unfazed with stocks hitting record highs.

Key Points

  • Former Fed chairs Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan condemned the criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, citing concerns about the Fed's independence.
  • The investigation relates to Powell's testimony about renovations to Federal Reserve buildings, with some linking it to President Trump's anger over the Fed's interest rate decisions.
  • Despite the controversy, US stocks hit record highs, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at all-time highs.
  • Powell is praised for his calm and cautious leadership style, navigating the Fed through turbulent economic times and criticism from Trump.
  • The investigation has sparked a public feud between the White House and the Fed, with potential consequences for the economy and the independence of the Fed.

Articles in this Cluster

Former Fed chairs condemn criminal investigation into Jerome Powell

Three former US Federal Reserve chairs, Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan, have condemned a criminal investigation into current Fed chair Jerome Powell, describing it as a bid to undermine the Fed's independence. The investigation, disclosed by Powell in a video statement, relates to his testimony about renovations to Federal Reserve buildings. Former officials believe the probe is linked to President Donald Trump's anger over the Fed's interest rate decisions. The move has been criticized by both Democratic and Republican appointees, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about the potential impact on the Fed's independence and monetary policy decisions.
Entities: Jerome Powell, Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, Alan Greenspan, Donald TrumpTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

CNBC Daily Open: Investors look past Powell probe

The article discusses how US investors are looking past the controversy surrounding the criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell by the Trump administration. Despite the probe, US stocks hit record highs, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at all-time highs. The article also highlights other market trends, including a surge in Venezuela's stock market, Apple's partnership with Google for AI-powered Siri, and increased investment in European defense spending. Additionally, it notes that hedge funds had their best year since 2009, driven by stock-picking and macro strategies.
Entities: Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve, Donald Trump, Janet Yellen, Lloyd BlankfeinTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve

The article profiles Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, as he nears the end of his term. It highlights his cautious yet bold leadership style, navigating the Fed through turbulent economic times. Powell faces one major monetary task and one significant political concern ahead. The article praises Powell's ability to remain calm under pressure, likening him to a 'calm pilot' who steers the Fed through market volatility and political turbulence, including criticism from Donald Trump. It emphasizes Powell's careful communication style, chosen to avoid causing unnecessary market fluctuations. The piece concludes by noting the challenges ahead for Powell, including completing significant monetary business and dealing with political worries.
Entities: Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve, United States, Donald Trump, The EconomistTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

The Trump administration threatens the Fed with a criminal cudgel

The Trump administration is threatening the Federal Reserve with a criminal investigation, sparking a public feud between the White House and the central bank. The Fed chair, Jerome Powell, had maintained a public silence until this weekend, when the conflict escalated. The article discusses the implications of this confrontation, highlighting the potential consequences for the economy and the independence of the Fed.
Entities: Donald Trump, Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve, White House, AmericaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Bessent unhappy with criminal investigation of Fed Chair Jerome Powell | CNN PoliticsClose icon

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is unhappy with the decision to criminally investigate Fed Chair Jerome Powell, citing concerns that it will negatively impact the markets. The investigation centers on Powell's testimony about the Federal Reserve's $2.5 billion renovation of its headquarters. Powell responded with a video statement, alleging the probe was sparked by his battle with President Donald Trump over interest rates. The move has drawn bipartisan criticism, with some officials stressing that the Department of Justice's action was not political. The investigation has sparked outrage on Capitol Hill, with some senators opposing the confirmation of any Fed nominee until the matter is resolved.
Entities: Scott Bessent, Jerome Powell, Donald Trump, Federal Reserve, Department of JusticeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Federal Reserve 'ignored' inquiries into Powell's congressional testimony: Pirro | New York Post

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the Justice Department had to use legal process to obtain information related to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's congressional testimony about the central bank's renovation project after being 'ignored' by the Federal Reserve. Pirro downplayed Powell's suggestion that he was facing a criminal indictment, stating that her office would make decisions based on the merits. The renovation project has been criticized by President Trump, who claims it has been mismanaged and is over budget by $1.5 billion. Powell described the DOJ probe as an 'unprecedented action' in response to the Fed's interest rate decisions.
Entities: Jerome Powell, Jeanine Pirro, Federal Reserve, Justice Department, Senate Banking CommitteeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Prosecuting Jerome Powell will backfire on Team Trump | New York Post

The article argues that prosecuting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over the cost overruns in the renovation of the Federal Reserve's Washington, DC headquarters would be a mistake for Team Trump. The author claims that such a move would be seen as a political prosecution, undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve, and potentially panic the markets. The article also suggests that this would be perceived as 'lawfare' and could backfire on Trump, potentially harming his chances in the next election.
Entities: Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve, Washington, DC, Team Trump, Donald TrumpTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique