The Trump administration has taken a menacing step towards undermining the Federal Reserve's independence by launching an investigation into Chairman Jerome Powell. The move is part of a broader pattern of behavior that showcases the president's willingness to do whatever it takes to get what he wants, even if it means crushing anyone who dares to stand in his way.
The probe appears to be aimed at making Powell's life as uncomfortable as possible, and to send a message to other institutions and individuals who might think they can resist the president's whims. It's a disturbing tactic that has been used by Trump himself in the past, such as when he indicted former FBI director James Comey.
Powell is right to point out that the threat of criminal charges is being used as a tool to try and control the Fed's decision-making process. The fact that several prominent figures, including former Federal Reserve chairs Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan, have come out in support of Powell is telling.
Their assertion that the Fed's independence is critical for economic performance resonates deeply, as does their warning that this investigation could set a perilous precedent. Republican senator Thom Tillis has also denounced the move as a "huge mistake".
But what's most striking about this development is its clear intention to intimidate and silence other powerful figures who might be tempted to resist the president's authority. The administration seems to be using the justice department as a tool to exert control over the courts, too – specifically, the Supreme Court.
The timing of this move couldn't be more calculated. With decisions on tariffs, immigration, and other contentious issues looming, it's clear that Trump is trying to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The fact that news about Powell broke just as the court was set to hear oral arguments in a case involving the president's authority to remove members of the Federal Reserve board of governors is too neat.
It's no accident that this move coincides with the run-up to these critical decisions. Trump seems determined to prove that he can do whatever he wants, without being constrained by institutions or rules that might stand in his way. His famous phrase "I'll ruin you" – as cited by Andrew Sullivan – takes on a particularly sinister tone when applied to the Supreme Court justices who might be tempted to resist him.
Make no mistake: this is not just about Powell or the Fed's independence; it's about establishing the president's authority to do whatever he wants, without question or debate. The stakes are high, and the consequences could be catastrophic for the rule of law in America.
The Supreme Court, which has shown a degree of deference to Trump in the past, may need to take a firmer stance on this issue – before it's too late. We must ensure that no one, not even the most powerful figure in the land, is above the law or accountable for their actions.
The probe appears to be aimed at making Powell's life as uncomfortable as possible, and to send a message to other institutions and individuals who might think they can resist the president's whims. It's a disturbing tactic that has been used by Trump himself in the past, such as when he indicted former FBI director James Comey.
Powell is right to point out that the threat of criminal charges is being used as a tool to try and control the Fed's decision-making process. The fact that several prominent figures, including former Federal Reserve chairs Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan, have come out in support of Powell is telling.
Their assertion that the Fed's independence is critical for economic performance resonates deeply, as does their warning that this investigation could set a perilous precedent. Republican senator Thom Tillis has also denounced the move as a "huge mistake".
But what's most striking about this development is its clear intention to intimidate and silence other powerful figures who might be tempted to resist the president's authority. The administration seems to be using the justice department as a tool to exert control over the courts, too – specifically, the Supreme Court.
The timing of this move couldn't be more calculated. With decisions on tariffs, immigration, and other contentious issues looming, it's clear that Trump is trying to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The fact that news about Powell broke just as the court was set to hear oral arguments in a case involving the president's authority to remove members of the Federal Reserve board of governors is too neat.
It's no accident that this move coincides with the run-up to these critical decisions. Trump seems determined to prove that he can do whatever he wants, without being constrained by institutions or rules that might stand in his way. His famous phrase "I'll ruin you" – as cited by Andrew Sullivan – takes on a particularly sinister tone when applied to the Supreme Court justices who might be tempted to resist him.
Make no mistake: this is not just about Powell or the Fed's independence; it's about establishing the president's authority to do whatever he wants, without question or debate. The stakes are high, and the consequences could be catastrophic for the rule of law in America.
The Supreme Court, which has shown a degree of deference to Trump in the past, may need to take a firmer stance on this issue – before it's too late. We must ensure that no one, not even the most powerful figure in the land, is above the law or accountable for their actions.
This probe into Powell is just another example of Trump trying to strong-arm his way into getting what he wants. I mean, think about it - if the Fed isn't independent, who's going to regulate the president? 
It's all about him wanting to control the economy and get re-elected. The fact that several former Fed chairs are coming out in support of Powell is huge - they know a thing or two about what's good for the country, not just Trump's personal agenda. And let's be real, this move coincides with some major decisions on tariffs and immigration... it's all about creating fear and uncertainty to get his way. 
We need to make sure our courts are protected from being intimidated by the president, or else we risk losing democracy altogether. The stakes are high! 
I'm telling you, something fishy is going down with Trump and the Federal Reserve thing! They're trying to control everything, from the economy to the courts 
. I mean, think about it: if Trump can just intimidate and silence whoever he doesn't like, that means no one is safe from his wrath! 
The Supreme Court needs to step up their game and not let him get away with this kind of nonsense 
and I'm like totally stuck on the debate between pineapple and pepperoni. Like, what's your take? Should pineapple be allowed on pizza or should it be banned from being a "real" topping? And don't even get me started on the whole pepperoni vs. sausage thing... 
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. If they can do this to the Fed, what's next? The Justice Department? The Supreme Court? It's just so chilling 
. We need to stand up for our institutions and the rule of law – it's not just about Powell or the Fed, it's about everyone's freedom 
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. As a country, we're supposed to be built on something stronger than fear and intimidation 
. Trump seems to think he's above that, but I don't see why we should accept that 
This is getting super weird. So the president is trying to get rid of Jerome Powell just to control the economy? Like what if it doesn't work out and he screws up instead? 
And now they're using the Justice Department to intimidate other powerful people into keeping quiet? That's just shady, you know? 
And the fact that the Supreme Court is getting involved too... this could get really ugly. Will they be able to keep Trump in check or will he just find a way around them? 
the fact that they're trying to intimidate and silence others who might resist is just straight up scary 
... and now hes trying to intimidate the supreme court too? thats a huge red flag 
... i dont know how much more of this we can take before its too late 
The admin's moves are like they're trying to ride a bike with training wheels... they can't sustain speed and momentum 
, and soon enough they'll crash 
. This whole thing reeks of desperation. What's next? Launching investigations into the CIA or the Pentagon? The boundaries between politics and justice are already blurred; now it looks like Trump is trying to erase them altogether 
. Meanwhile, Powell's just doing his job, trying to keep the economy stable, while the admin tries to muscle in on the Fed's independence 
republicans are finally seeing things as they should be tho 
so basically the president is trying to control the fed by investigating the chairperson? that's wild isn't it? i mean, i thought he was already kinda controlling everything but this is next level 
do you think he'll actually get away with it?
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Newsflash: that's not how it works, Mr Trump! The Fed needs to be independent so they can make decisions without being swayed by the president's whims. It's not about Powell, it's about setting a precedent for future presidents and ensuring that no one is above the law.
. This whole thing reeks of desperation and fear... mark my words, this is gonna end badly 
. Can't have our President basically declaring himself above the law 
. And what's next, threatening judges who might rule against him? 
The fact that prominent figures are speaking out in support of Powell's independence is telling – it shows there are still some people in power who care about doing the right thing 
. We need to make sure the Supreme Court takes a firmer stance on this and sets a precedent for accountability