Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The heads of several central banks from around the world said Tuesday that Jerome Powell, "a respected colleague," should have full independence in his role as chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve as it faces a Justice Department investigation.
"The independence of central banks is a cornerstone of price, financial and economic stability in the interest of the citizens that we serve," said a statement issued by the European Central Bank.
"Chair Powell has served with integrity, focused on his mandate and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. To us, he is a respected colleague who is held in the highest regard by all who have worked with him."
The central bankers' praise for Powell came as President Donald Trump launched more criticisms at him Tuesday morning, again taking him to task for being over budget on a renovation of buildings at the Fed's headquarters in Washington, D.C.
"So, he either is incompetent or he's crooked," Trump said, according to CNBC. "I don't know what he is. But he does a -- certainly he doesn't do a very good job."
