Story perspectives

Former Fed Leaders Slam Powell's Independence Amid Probe

1/13/2026

Center

Powell Faces Criticism

A bipartisan group of former Federal Reserve chairs and economists criticizes Jerome Powell, the Fed chair, as an unprecedented attack on independence.
The probe centers on Powell's testimony about renovation costs for Fed buildings.
Senators Thom Tillis (R) and Lisa Murkowski (R) oppose any Fed nominees from U.S. President Donald Trump until matters are resolved.
Powell says the investigation is politically motivated, linked to Trump's push to lower interest rates.

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Trump's Venezuela Operation

The U.S. operation in Venezuela captured former President Nicolás Maduro, triggering increasing backlash against U.S. President Donald Trump.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, say the action was unauthorized and call for impeachment, citing violations of international law.
Rep. April McClain Delaney said Congress must intervene against what she described as Trump's "lawless" actions.
The White House defended the operation as lawful due to a federal arrest warrant for Maduro.

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Powell Faces Criticism

A bipartisan group of former Federal Reserve chairs and economists criticizes Jerome Powell, the Fed chair, as an unprecedented attack on independence.
The probe centers on Powell's testimony about renovation costs for Fed buildings.
Senators Thom Tillis (R) and Lisa Murkowski (R) oppose any Fed nominees from U.S. President Donald Trump until matters are resolved.
Powell says the investigation is politically motivated, linked to Trump's push to lower interest rates.

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