Trump DOJ Appeals Ruling Blocking Fed Subpoenas in Powell Probe

* Trump DOJ to appeal ruling that blocked subpoenas in probe of Fed Chair Powell. * Judge cited insufficient evidence, political motives behind investigation. On March 14, 2026, the Trump Justice Department announced it will challenge a ruling from U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. The decision blocked grand jury subpoenas targeting the Federal Reserve during a criminal investigation into Chair Jerome Powell. This ruling has momentarily paused the Department’s efforts to access Federal Reserve documents tied to a renovation project, stirring significant political and economic debate. In a 27-page opinion on March 13, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg criticized the subpoenas, writing that the government’s rationale was "so thin and unsubstantiated that the Court can only conclude that they are pretextual." The judge added that there was "essentially zero evidence to suspect Chair Powell of a crime" and described the subpoenas as a method to "harass and pressure Powell either to yield to the President or to resign." The investigation stems from Powell’s Senate testimony in June 2025 about a multi-billion-dollar renovation project for Federal Reserve facilities. Powell has frequently called the probe a political ploy designed to diminish his authority, an accusation that follows President Trump's criticism of his monetary policy decisions. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and lead investigator Jeanine Pirro called the ruling "outrageous," alleging it effectively granted Powell "immunity" from accountability. The Justice Department's decision to appeal comes amid mounting political discord, as President Trump is advocating for Powell’s removal and wants him replaced with former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh. Warsh’s nomination, however, has faced staunch opposition in the Senate. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, has vowed to block Warsh’s confirmation until Powell’s investigation is thoroughly resolved. Describing the probe as "weak and frivolous," Tillis criticized the appeal as unproductive and warned that it could further extend confirmation delays. With narrow Republican control in the Banking Committee, Tillis’s resistance therefore presents a significant obstacle to Warsh’s appointment. This turmoil highlights broader concerns over Federal Reserve independence. Fed Governor Lisa Cook is also contending with legal pressures from the Trump administration. A separate case concerning Cook’s potential removal awaits a Supreme Court ruling. The ongoing legal and political impasse underscores the contentious dynamics between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve. The ramifications will likely influence the central bank’s governance, U.S. monetary policy stability, and the nation’s financial landscape.