Powell Probe Roils White House and Tests Fed Independence

A criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, led by Jeanine Pirro under the Trump administration, triggers White House disarray, with Trump claiming no knowledge and advisers disputing the memo. Analysts mock the charge as politically motivated, Powell defends Fed independence, and markets react only modestly while bipartisan lawmakers warn against politicizing the central bank. Internal finger-pointing and blame on allies highlight risks to trust in the presidency and monetary policy.