Stop Trump’s Attempts to Intimidate the Federal Reserve

The Trump administration just opened a criminal probe targeting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a move that immediately sent the stock market sharply downward and alarmed investors around the world. The timing is no accident. Donald Trump has been openly pressuring the Federal Reserve to slash interest rates to serve his political agenda, and Powell’s refusal to bend has put a target on his back.

The Federal Reserve exists to make decisions based on economic data, not presidential demands. Its independence is one of the most important safeguards protecting the U.S. economy from political manipulation. When presidents control interest rates, history shows the outcome is disastrous: inflation surges, asset bubbles inflate, and working families are left holding the bag when the crash comes. Trump wants cheaper money now, even if it risks long-term economic chaos.

This probe marks a dangerous new phase in Trump’s effort to strong-arm the central bank by unleashing federal law enforcement against an independent economic institution. It’s a direct test of whether any limits still apply to his power — and whether Congress is willing to enforce them.

Tell Congress: draw a firm line against Trump’s abuse of power. Stand with the senators blocking his intimidation of the Federal Reserve and take immediate action to safeguard the independence of the central bank before the damage becomes permanent.

Markets already understand what’s at stake. Investors know that if the Federal Reserve becomes just another arm of the White House, the consequences will be severe: higher inflation, higher borrowing costs over time, and economic instability that hits families first and hardest. Retirement savings, home values, and job security are all on the line.

Thankfully, one Republican Senator is already stepping up to fight back. Sen. Thom Tillis has announced he will place a hold on Federal Reserve nominees, refusing to allow confirmations to move forward in the Senate until this probe is resolved. By blocking the confirmation process, Tillis is using one of the Senate’s most powerful tools to draw a clear line: political intimidation of the Fed is unacceptable. It will only take a handful of additional Republican senators using the same leverage — placing holds, delaying confirmations, and demanding accountability — to rein Trump in and protect the Fed’s independence.

Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to act. Lawmakers can demand answers from the Justice Department, refuse to advance Federal Reserve nominees, and make clear that weaponizing investigations to bully the central bank crosses a red line.

Tell Congress: defend the Federal Reserve. Back senators who are using their power to stop Trump’s intimidation campaign. Act now to protect the independence of the central bank — before lasting damage is done.