The inquiry into the Federal Reserve chair sends a message to anyone standing in Trump’s way – including the supreme court
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ews that Donald Trump’s justice department has launched an investigation of Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, is the latest example of the president’s governing philosophy: do what I want, or I will crush you. The desire to make Powell’s life miserable is also a warning sign to anyone who thinks that they have an independent source of authority.
What is happening to Powell is a test, not just for him and the Fed, but for any other person or institution that dares to stand up to the president.
If I were a supreme court justice contemplating ruling against the president in cases pending before the court involving tariffs, birthright citizenship, or the president’s authority to fire a member of the Federal Reserve board of governors, cases where there is a real probability he might lose, I’d surely be taking notice.
