Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses DOJ Subpoenas Targeting Fed Chair Powell

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal Judge James Boasberg dismissed subpoenas from the Justice Department targeting U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, citing a lack of evidence.
Boasberg said the subpoenas appeared to coerce Powell into lowering interest rates and linked the actions to U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro plans to appeal, arguing discrepancies in Powell's testimony justify the investigation, and the case could challenge the Supreme Court's stance on presidential authority.

History

Historical Context

The 1974 Supreme Court ruling in U.S. v. Nixon established that no one, including the President, is above the law, compelling Nixon to release tapes related to the Watergate scandal. This decision, made during a constitutional crisis, led to Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974. The recent dismissal of subpoenas against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reflects ongoing tensions between executive power and judicial authority.

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Story summary

Federal Judge James Boasberg dismissed subpoenas from the Justice Department targeting U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, citing a lack of evidence.
Boasberg said the subpoenas appeared to coerce Powell into lowering interest rates and linked the actions to U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro plans to appeal, arguing discrepancies in Powell's testimony justify the investigation, and the case could challenge the Supreme Court's stance on presidential authority.

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