politics
Justice Department drops probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Updated on: April 24, 2026 / 11:35 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Federal prosecutors have closed their criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
- The investigation is being redirected to the Fed's inspector general to examine potential cost overruns in the headquarters renovation project.
- This decision removes an obstacle for the confirmation of Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee to lead the Fed.
- A previous court ruling had quashed subpoenas that were part of the investigation into Powell.
- The probe into Powell occurred amidst President Trump's criticism of Powell's interest rate decisions.
- The estimated cost of the Fed's renovation project has risen from $1.9 billion to nearly $2.5 billion.