Judge rejects DOJ bid to unblock subpoenas targeting Fed’s Jerome Powell in biting opinion
Trump Administration’s Subpoenas Targeting Federal Reserve Denied by Judge
A US district judge has denied the Trump administration’s request to reconsider the legality of two subpoenas targeting the Federal Reserve, after he previously blocked them. In a six-page opinion, Judge James Boasberg stated that the government failed to present any new evidence or identify any errors in his previous ruling.
The government’s motion to reconsider was dismissed by Boasberg, who criticized the lack of convincing arguments in their brief. Last month, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro appealed the initial ruling that blocked the subpoenas seeking Federal Reserve records related to a criminal investigation involving Powell and the bank’s headquarters renovation.
Boasberg emphasized that the subpoenas appeared to be aimed at targeting Powell rather than conducting a legitimate criminal investigation. He highlighted that the subpoena power cannot be misused for improper purposes or to pressure individuals like Powell.
Despite the ruling, Pirro’s office expressed intentions to appeal the decision, indicating potential delays in confirming Trump’s nominee Kevin Warsh as Powell’s successor. Senator Thom Tillis has also vowed to block any Fed nominee until the investigation into Powell is concluded.
During the recent Fed meeting, Powell stated his willingness to continue serving as chairman until a successor is confirmed. He plans to remain on the board until the investigation is completed, with the possibility of staying on as a governor until 2028.
