Ex-Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Sounds Alarm Over Political Interference
Jerome Powell, the former chair of the Federal Reserve, has expressed concerns about political interference in the central bank's operations, warning that it could permanently damage public trust. Speaking at the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ceremony, Powell emphasized the importance of legal protections that insulate monetary policy from political influence. He noted that the Fed is currently undergoing a 'stress test' due to actions by President Trump, including attempts to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Powell's remarks come as the Supreme Court is set to decide on the legality of Cook's attempted firing, a case that could have significant implications for the Fed's independence. Powell, who stepped down as chair last month but remains on the board, highlighted the risks of allowing political considerations to dictate monetary policy decisions.