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DOJ Opens Criminal Probe Into Fed Chair Jerome Powell

Is Powell facing accountability for misleading Congress, or is this an attack on Federal Reserve independence?
DOJ Opens Criminal Probe Into Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Above: Jerome Powell in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10. Image credit: Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

Powell lied to Congress about the massive costs and scope of Fed headquarters renovations, and now faces a criminal investigation for potential perjury. This isn't about monetary policy independence — it's about holding an unelected bureaucrat accountable for misleading testimony and refusing transparency. The Fed is not above the law, and Powell's desperate attempt to claim victimhood proves the establishment fears real oversight.

Democratic narrative

The criminal investigation into Powell is a transparent attempt to weaponize the Justice Department against Fed independence because Powell won't cut interest rates on presidential command. The renovation pretext is a flimsy excuse — this is about whether monetary policy will be set by economic evidence or political intimidation. Prosecuting a Fed chair for doing his job competently threatens the entire global financial system.

Metaculus Prediction



The Controversies



Political split

LEFT

RIGHT



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0