Story perspectives

Fed Chair's Supreme Court Visit Sparks Political Controversy

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell for attending Supreme Court arguments over U.S. President Donald Trump's authority to remove Lisa D. Cook.
Bessent said Powell's presence risks politicizing the Fed, calling it a real mistake.
Ironically, Bessent attended a November session on Trump tariff powers, seeking a ringside seat.
Trump previously considered attending but abandoned the idea to avoid distraction, illustrating tension between politics and the Fed's independence.

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Story summary

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell for attending Supreme Court arguments over U.S. President Donald Trump's authority to remove Lisa D. Cook.
Bessent said Powell's presence risks politicizing the Fed, calling it a real mistake.
Ironically, Bessent attended a November session on Trump tariff powers, seeking a ringside seat.
Trump previously considered attending but abandoned the idea to avoid distraction, illustrating tension between politics and the Fed's independence.