Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell under Scrutiny as Justice Department Launches Criminal Probe.
A criminal investigation is underway into the activities of Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell, according to sources close to the matter. The probe is being conducted by the US Department of Justice and marks a significant escalation in scrutiny surrounding the central banker's conduct.
Powell has described the investigation as "pretext" and has accused President Donald Trump of attempting to pressure him into cutting interest rates. The Federal Reserve has maintained its independence and made decisions on monetary policy based on economic conditions, not political considerations.
The probe is reportedly focused on Powell's interactions with banks and other financial institutions during his tenure as head of the Fed. It remains unclear what specific actions or decisions by Powell are under examination, but experts say that a criminal investigation raises concerns about the central bank's ability to effectively regulate the financial sector.
As tensions between Trump and Powell continued to rise, with the President repeatedly expressing his desire to reduce interest rates, many had feared for the future of monetary policy. However, the Justice Department has now taken matters into its own hands, sending a clear message that any actions by federal officials that are deemed unlawful will be pursued vigorously.
It remains to be seen what outcome this investigation will yield, but one thing is certain - Jay Powell's time as Federal Reserve Chairman is becoming increasingly complicated and contentious.
A criminal investigation is underway into the activities of Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell, according to sources close to the matter. The probe is being conducted by the US Department of Justice and marks a significant escalation in scrutiny surrounding the central banker's conduct.
Powell has described the investigation as "pretext" and has accused President Donald Trump of attempting to pressure him into cutting interest rates. The Federal Reserve has maintained its independence and made decisions on monetary policy based on economic conditions, not political considerations.
The probe is reportedly focused on Powell's interactions with banks and other financial institutions during his tenure as head of the Fed. It remains unclear what specific actions or decisions by Powell are under examination, but experts say that a criminal investigation raises concerns about the central bank's ability to effectively regulate the financial sector.
As tensions between Trump and Powell continued to rise, with the President repeatedly expressing his desire to reduce interest rates, many had feared for the future of monetary policy. However, the Justice Department has now taken matters into its own hands, sending a clear message that any actions by federal officials that are deemed unlawful will be pursued vigorously.
It remains to be seen what outcome this investigation will yield, but one thing is certain - Jay Powell's time as Federal Reserve Chairman is becoming increasingly complicated and contentious.