Story perspectives

Federal Probe Targets Powell Amid Criticism and Controversy

1/14/2026

Center

Powell Under Investigation

Federal prosecutors are investigating Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve chair, over his testimony about renovation costs.
The inquiry follows months of criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled Powell ineffective.
Powell, in a rare video response, said the investigation pressures the Fed to lower rates.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) criticized the DOJ probe as coercive.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the investigation as an attack on the Fed's independence.

Right

Kelly Sues Hegseth

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over demotion and pension cut tied to participating in a video urging service members to resist illegal orders.
The video included several Democratic lawmakers and urged service members to refuse unlawful orders without context about the Trump administration.
Hegseth defended the censure as necessary due to Kelly's "seditious statements."

Left

Slotkin Under Investigation

Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan is under federal investigation after participating in a video urging service members to resist illegal orders.
The inquiry, disclosed by the U.S. attorney's office of Jeanine Pirro, centers on claims that the video is 'seditious'.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump and allies have made aggressive statements about acquiring Greenland, provoking strong responses from Danish and Greenlandic leaders.

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Powell Under Investigation

Federal prosecutors are investigating Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve chair, over his testimony about renovation costs.
The inquiry follows months of criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled Powell ineffective.
Powell, in a rare video response, said the investigation pressures the Fed to lower rates.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) criticized the DOJ probe as coercive.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the investigation as an attack on the Fed's independence.

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