All articles tagged with #doj investigation
The DOJ has opened an antitrust inquiry into NFL media rights and streaming paywalls; Trump claimed fans pay $1,000 per game to watch, a figure the piece says misreads the issue, noting most games air on free TV and that the core question is whether NFL streaming practices comply with antitrust law under the Sports Broadcasting Act, with broader context about media interests.
The NFL plans a modest increase in its broadcast footprint for next season as it faces a DOJ antitrust probe and an FCC inquiry into media-rights practices, with streaming partners like YouTube and Netflix expected to receive additional games while most games still air on free over-the-air networks (87% last season).
Trump’s long-running push against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell backfires as Powell opts to stay on the Fed’s Board of Governors after his chair term ends, depriving Trump of a favorable board majority and preserving central-bank independence. Despite continued public pressure and a DOJ probe that has wound down, Powell’s decision signals resilience to political pressure and prolongs the clash between Trump and the Fed.
Powell’s term as Fed chair ends May 15, 2026, but the question now is whether he’ll stay on as a governor after a DOJ probe into the Fed’s renovation ends; insiders say he’s torn between leaving for a quieter life and guarding the Fed’s independence, with a smooth transition possible if he stays briefly to back incoming chair nominee Kevin Warsh, while Trump’s threats add political pressure.
Sen. Thom Tillis said he will back Kevin Warsh for Fed chair, removing a key hurdle for Trump's nominee after the DOJ ended its probe into Chair Jerome Powell. With Tillis’ support, Warsh’s confirmation is expected to move forward along party lines, though Powell’s future and any appeals could influence the timing of the leadership transition at the central bank.
Sen. Thom Tillis says he will move forward with confirming Kevin Warsh as Fed chair after the DOJ ends its investigation of the current chair, removing a major hurdle to Trump’s pick. Powell’s status on the Fed board remains a consideration, and the Fed is also facing an inspector general review and cost scrutiny over a long-running building renovation project.
Sen. Thom Tillis says he will vote to confirm Kevin Warsh as Fed chair after assurances DOJ would not use the Powell probe to threaten Fed independence, effectively ending his blockade. The DOJ dropped the investigation, clearing Warsh’s path toward a Senate confirmation as the Banking Committee moves the nomination forward. Powell’s term ends mid‑May, and he could remain on the Fed board if Warsh is not confirmed; meanwhile, the Fed inspector general is reviewing renovation costs.
The Southern Poverty Law Center says it is under a Justice Department investigation—potentially criminal charges—over its past use of paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups, with interim president Bryan Fair vowing the organization will not be intimidated.
Top Republicans are weighing a special Banking Committee probe into Fed HQ construction as an off-ramp to drop the DOJ investigation of Jerome Powell, potentially paving Kevin Warsh’s path to chair the Fed; whether DOJ drops the probe remains uncertain, with Tillis pushing the idea as governance. The day also featured multiple other GOP moves and debates, including a new labor-rights notification bill, Rick Scott’s hold on Coast Guard promotions, and Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation amid ethics probes.
President Trump says he’ll fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell if he doesn’t step aside when his term ends next month (May 15). Kevin Warsh’s Senate-confirmation hearing is set for April 21, but Tillis and others want the DOJ’s criminal probe into Powell’s handling of the Fed renovation to conclude first; Powell has said he won’t step down until the investigation is resolved, and Trump has criticized him as a disaster while signaling Powell could stay on as acting chair if Warsh isn’t confirmed.
Fox is reportedly bidding for the NFL’s five-game media-rights package, joining YouTube and Netflix as the DOJ investigates whether streaming deals fall under the Sports Broadcasting Act antitrust exemption; the league has outlined five game windows (including the Australia International Series, Thanksgiving Eve, Black Friday, and a potential Christmas Eve slot), with Fox moving a high-profile window from streaming back to broadcast.
The Justice Department is reportedly probing the NFL’s licensing of games across paid streaming services and other platforms, focusing on consumer affordability and fair competition. The inquiry, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, could influence the league’s media-rights talks—with Paramount Skydance eyed for an expanded deal—while NFL defends its distribution model. Lawmakers like Sen. Mike Lee reference the Sports Broadcasting Act amid concerns that widespread streaming of games may affect antitrust exemptions and consumer access.
Despite a 30%+ stock drop after DoJ charges against employees, the DoJ found no charges against Super Micro; the alleged $2.5B smuggled sales amount to about 10% of FY25 revenue, while FY26 net sales guidance remains at least $40B. The company isn’t implicated, and ongoing growth and new products support a buying opportunity, though risk remains if future executive involvement emerges.
Powell says he will remain Fed chair past May as long as the DOJ probe into his congressional testimony concludes; Trump has pressed to replace him with Kevin Warsh, but Senate resistance—led by Sen. Tillis—has stalled Warsh’s confirmation, potentially keeping Powell in place and on the Fed Board through early 2028 after he steps down as chair.
A Justice Department probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks could backfire on Trump by delaying Warsh’s confirmation and potentially extending Powell’s tenure, as Powell hints he may stay on the Fed board beyond his term if the investigation lingers, complicating Trump’s efforts to reshape the Fed.