Jerome Powell Probe Sparks Dollar Risk as Fed Independence Cracks
Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, centering on his Senate testimony regarding the Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation. This unprecedented probe has raised alarms about Fed independence and dollar stability, compounding existing regulatory uncertainty in markets.
Powell confirmed receiving grand jury subpoenas from the Department of Justice, linking the investigation to ongoing political pressure over interest rate policies. The Fed chair's video statement, released through official channels, sought to clarify his position as global economists monitor the situation's potential impact on monetary policy autonomy.