U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
U.S. Lawmakers Back Ukraine’s Request for More Patriot Missiles Amid Rising Russian Attacks 
Russia Prepares New Large-Scale Attack on Ukraine, Zelenskiy Warns 
DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation Into E. Jean Carroll Over Alleged Perjury 
US Condemns Russia’s Oreshnik Missile Strike, Warns Against New Attacks on Kyiv 
Trump Signs Executive Order to Expand Access to Federal Lands in the U.S. 
Trump Administration Threatens Newark Airport International Travel Shutdown Over Immigration Dispute 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
US Southern Command Chief Holds Rare Military Meeting With Cuban Officials at Guantanamo Bay 
US Designates Brazil’s PCC and Comando Vermelho as Global Terrorist Entities Ahead of FTO Listing 
Netanyahu Gaza Expansion Plan Sparks Hamas Condemnation and International Concern 
U.S. Reinstates Sanctions on U.N. Expert Francesca Albanese Amid Legal Battle 
UN Blacklists Israel and Russia Over Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Claims 
Netanyahu Orders Expansion of Israeli Control in Gaza to 70% 
Brazil Struggles to Stop Illegal Amazon Gold Mining as Gold Prices Surge 
Kentucky School District Secures $27 Million in Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Settlements 
Poland Considers Revoking Zelensky’s Top Honor Over Controversial UPA Army Unit Recognition 
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he currently has no plans to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, even as the Department of Justice has reportedly threatened the central banker with a criminal investigation. In comments to Reuters, Trump stated, “I don’t have any plan to do that,” while adding that it was still “too early” to determine his final decision. He did not clarify whether the investigation could provide legal grounds for Powell’s dismissal, keeping uncertainty around the Fed leadership firmly in focus.
The investigation centers on alleged cost overruns related to the Federal Reserve’s headquarters renovation. Powell disclosed earlier this week that he is under criminal investigation but denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the probe is being used as political pressure due to his refusal to comply with Trump’s repeated calls for lower interest rates. The disclosure has intensified concerns about the independence of the U.S. central bank, a topic that has become increasingly sensitive as Trump prepares to nominate the next Federal Reserve chair.
Powell’s term as Fed chair is set to expire in May, though he has the option to remain on the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors until 2028. Trump told Reuters that he is leaning toward appointing either former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh or National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett as Powell’s successor. Praising both candidates, Trump said, “The two Kevins are very good,” and indicated that an announcement could come within the next couple of weeks.
Despite mounting criticism from lawmakers, including members of his own party who have emphasized the importance of an independent Federal Reserve, Trump appeared dismissive. He brushed aside concerns, telling Reuters that lawmakers “should be loyal.” The comments have added to market uncertainty, as investors closely monitor developments related to U.S. monetary policy, the Federal Reserve’s autonomy, and Trump’s influence over economic institutions.
As the situation unfolds, markets and policymakers alike remain alert to how the investigation and upcoming nomination could shape the future direction of U.S. interest rates and economic policy.
