Pirro Slams Judge’s Ruling as “Un-American”

A federal judge just blocked DOJ subpoenas against Fed Chair Jerome Powell, prompting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to brand the ruling the “antithesis of American justice.”

Story Snapshot

Pirro’s office pursued Powell over alleged cost overruns in a $2.5 billion Fed headquarters renovation and ignored congressional testimony requests.
Fed Chair Powell labeled the probe a politicized threat to central bank independence amid Trump administration rate pressures.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna sparked the investigation with a referral alleging $700 million overruns and false statements.
Federal Reserve filed a sealed motion to quash subpoenas, leading to a judge’s block that Pirro vows to appeal.
Bipartisan backlash grows, splitting Republicans on law enforcement versus institutional autonomy.

Federal Reserve Renovation Sparks DOJ Probe

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna referred Fed Chair Jerome Powell to the DOJ in July of the prior year. She accused him of misrepresenting costs for the $2.5 billion headquarters renovation. The project covers the Marriner S. Eccles Building and 1951 Constitution Avenue Building. It includes asbestos removal and major upgrades. Initial estimates ballooned, drawing congressional fire. Luna targeted Powell’s statements on project scope and overruns estimated at $700 million to $1 billion.

Pirro’s office made multiple outreach attempts to the Federal Reserve. The Fed provided no response. This silence prompted DOJ action through grand jury subpoenas. The subpoenas connected to Powell’s congressional testimony on the renovation. Pirro defended the probe as standard enforcement. She stressed no one stands above the law, regardless of position. Powell’s term ends in May, heightening stakes under the Trump administration.

Powell Counters with Independence Claim

Jerome Powell released a video statement Sunday evening. He confirmed the probe and described it as a threat of criminal charges. Powell linked it to his resistance against presidential pressure on interest rates. He denied wrongdoing on renovation costs. The Fed filed a sealed motion to quash the subpoenas. This court challenge potentially halts the investigation. No charges have emerged to date.

Pirro appeared on Fox with Sean Hannity Monday. She fired back at Powell’s claims. Pirro clarified the word “indictment” originated from Powell. She reiterated the Fed’s non-response justified legal steps. Pirro rejected politicization accusations. Common sense aligns with her view: ignored official inquiries demand accountability, especially on taxpayer-funded overruns.

Political Rift Emerges Among Republicans

Sen. Thom Tillis called the probe “amateur hour,” warning it undermines DOJ credibility. Sen. Lisa Murkowski questioned DOJ motives. These GOP senators prioritize Fed independence. Democrats label it a sham and demand halting nominations like Kevin Warsh until resolved. Trump allies see value in aligning the Fed with administration policy. Senate Banking Committee holds a slim 13-11 GOP edge, complicating confirmations.

Pirro now faces a judge’s decision blocking the subpoenas. She deems this ruling outrageous and vows an appeal. The block stems from the Fed’s challenge. Bipartisan ex-Fed officials call the overall effort unprecedented. Fox panels note asbestos complexities justify some costs but fault Fed blame-shifting. Markets face short-term volatility; long-term, central bank credibility hangs in balance. Rule of law clashes with institutional shields in this power struggle.