Federal Reserve Learns ‘Independent’ Means ‘Until Trump Gets Mad’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The DOJ announced Sunday that it has opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, citing concerns over renovation spending at the Fed’s Washington headquarters—concerns that coincidentally surfaced only after Powell declined to cut interest rates the way President Donald Trump wanted.

Powell noted the investigation followed months of pressure to align monetary policy with the president’s preferences, rather than economic data, inflation trends, or reality. Administration officials insisted the probe had absolutely nothing to do with interest rates, loyalty, or the president’s repeated public threats—describing the timing as “pure coincidence” and “very legal.”

Trump, who has repeatedly described himself as the victim of politically motivated “witch hunts,” denied any involvement in the investigation he has publicly floated for months. “I don’t know anything about it,” Trump said, before immediately reiterating that Powell had done “a terrible job.”

Administration sources said the investigation sends an important message to independent institutions: autonomy is encouraged, expertise is respected, and evidence-based decision-making is welcome—provided it does not interfere with the president’s mood, polling numbers, or personal financial theories.

Powell reaffirmed he would not allow political pressure to dictate monetary policy. Trump later described that position as “a very bad look.”