Federal investigators are looking into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's congressional testimony regarding the central bank's renovation. Powell claims this investigation is meant to weaken the Federal Reserve's independence.
Key Facts
The investigation is being conducted by federal authorities within the Trump administration.
The focus of the investigation is Jerome Powell's congressional testimony.
The testimony in question is related to a renovation project at the Federal Reserve.
Jerome Powell argues that the investigation is an attempt to challenge the Federal Reserve's independence.
The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, are opposing President Trump's nominations for the Federal Reserve due to concerns about the Justice Department's threat to indict Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Murkowski and others fear that losing the Fed's independence could harm the U.S. economy. Former Fed chairs and economic leaders have criticized this investigation, calling it an attack on the Fed's independence.
Key Facts
Senator Lisa Murkowski supports blocking President Trump's Federal Reserve nominations.
The Justice Department threatened to indict Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, leading to criticism.
President Trump is pressing the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.
The U.S. Senate currently holds a 53-47 Republican majority.
Former Federal Reserve chairs and economic policy leaders condemned the investigation into Powell.
They stated that such actions resemble interference seen in countries with weak institutions.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett commented on the Fed's new building cost overruns.
President Trump expressed a strong stance against anyone opposing his views on interest rates.
A podcast episode discussed President Donald Trump's popularity following his recent international actions, such as against Venezuela and attempts to acquire Greenland, and raised questions about his support from those who voted for him in 2024. The podcast also mentioned a viral question by a host to President Trump and covered a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump was elected for a second term in 2024.
The podcast addressed Trump's recent international actions, including plans regarding Venezuela, Greenland, and Iran.
The team discussed whether Trump's support among his 2024 voters is declining.
A fatal ICE shooting occurred in Minneapolis.
A question posed to President Trump by one of the podcast hosts went viral.
The podcast episode is part of the BBC News podcasts family and features hosts Justin Webb, Sarah Smith, and Marianna Spring.
Matt Chorley from 5 Live joined the discussion on the podcast.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a New York City Council employee during a routine immigration appointment in Nassau County. The employee had legal permission to stay in the country until October 2025. New York City officials, including the City Council Speaker and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are demanding the employee's release.
Key Facts
A New York City Council worker was detained by ICE in Nassau County.
The detention happened during a regular immigration appointment.
The employee had permission to remain in the U.S. until October 2025.
NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin is demanding the employee's immediate release.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the detention an "assault" on democracy, city values, and is also asking for a quick release.
An emergency update was planned at City Hall by the NYC Council Speaker.
Senator Mark Kelly is suing to stop Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from demoting his Navy rank after Kelly appeared in a video President Trump called "seditious." Kelly wants a court to rule the actions against him illegal and prevent further steps in demoting him.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Kelly is a retired Navy captain.
Kelly was involved in a video with Democratic lawmakers, telling military members they could ignore unlawful orders.
President Trump labeled the video as "seditious" and ordered an investigation.
Pete Hegseth, the Defense Secretary, sent Kelly a formal reprimand.
Hegseth began actions to demote Kelly's Navy rank.
Kelly filed a lawsuit to stop these actions, claiming they are unconstitutional.
The Department of Defense did not immediately comment on the situation.
The Justice Department is investigating the Federal Reserve and its Chairman, Jerome Powell. President Trump has taken similar initiatives targeting political opponents. Geoff Bennett discussed these legal matters with Mary McCord from Georgetown University.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is looking into the Federal Reserve.
Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, is part of this investigation.
President Trump has been involved in actions against his political rivals.
Geoff Bennett spoke with Mary McCord to explore these legal issues.
Mary McCord is associated with Georgetown University's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed President Trump that the investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell created problems, potentially impacting financial markets. The investigation started without notifying major officials and involves allegations against Powell related to Fed building renovations. President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Powell's performance but distanced himself from the investigation.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told President Trump that investigating the Fed Chair created issues.
The investigation focuses on Jerome Powell allegedly misrepresenting renovation costs for the Federal Reserve headquarters.
President Trump distanced himself from the investigation but criticized Powell's performance.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office began the investigation without notifying key officials.
The investigation affected the financial markets, causing the dollar to drop, while bond yields and gold prices rose.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell denied wrongdoing and accused the Trump administration of using the Justice Department unfairly.
Senator Thom Tillis plans to block actions on Powell's replacement over the investigation.
Treasury stated there is no disagreement between Secretary Bessent and President Trump on the matter.
A man named Luis David Nino-Moncada, who was shot by a federal agent in Portland, is now charged with attacking a federal officer. His arrest has led to protests in the city. Another person, Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, also injured in the incident, faces separate charges related to her immigration status.
Key Facts
Luis David Nino-Moncada is charged with aggravated assault on a federal officer.
He was shot in the arm by a federal agent and later taken to jail after hospital treatment.
Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras was shot in the chest and taken to an immigration facility.
The incident took place in a parking lot in East Portland, Oregon.
Witnesses said the agents approached the pair's vehicle and shots were fired as the vehicle tried to leave.
Federal officials claim the two are linked to a Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua.
The alleged gang is classified as a global terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
Nino-Moncada's lawyer disputes these claims by the government.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent named Jonathan Ross is thankful for public support in fundraising after a shooting involving a woman's death in Minneapolis. The incident, which sparked protests and debate over immigration enforcement, has led to significant crowdfunding efforts to support Ross.
Key Facts
ICE agent Jonathan Ross was involved in a shooting on January 7 that resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good.
Fundraising campaigns for Ross have raised over $570,000, with one campaign alone raising more than $370,000.
The shooting has led to protests and national discussions about immigration enforcement and police tactics.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey questioned the federal narrative of the event, citing video evidence.
Concerns arose as the federal authorities barred local law enforcement from accessing key evidence.
Ross is a veteran who served in Iraq and has been with ICE since 2015.
The fundraising is meant to help Ross with personal and family expenses, and there are varying views on the situation.
The Trump administration has launched a campaign using images and ideas that come from right-wing and white nationalist groups. Reports and discussions are taking place about the meaning and implications of these posts.
Key Facts
The campaign started a few weeks into the new year.
It spans across multiple government departments.
The images and ideas in the campaign are derived from right-wing and white nationalist groups.
Liz Landers reported on the significance of these images and posts.
Amna Nawaz had a conversation with Cynthia Miller-Idriss from the Polarization and Extremism Research Innovation Lab.
The discussion focused on understanding the implications of the administration’s campaign.
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discussed recent political news including some Republicans who disagree with President Trump's remarks about the Federal Reserve. They also talked about the opposition to military action in Venezuela and rising tensions after a shooting involving ICE in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
President Trump made threats toward the Federal Reserve, a U.S. government financial institution.
Some Republicans are pushing back against President Trump's comments about the Federal Reserve.
There is opposition to potential military action in Venezuela among some political groups.
Tensions increased after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) related shooting in Minneapolis.
The discussion was between NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.
Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead from gunshot wounds in their Ohio home on December 30. Michael David McKee, Monique's ex-husband, has been arrested and charged with their murders. The case is being handled in both Illinois and Ohio court systems.
Key Facts
Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique were found shot dead in their Columbus, Ohio home.
The case is being considered a homicide, and Michael David McKee has been charged.
Spencer's brother-in-law believes McKee, Monique's ex-husband, was involved in the crime.
McKee was arrested and charged with premeditated aggravated murder.
McKee plans to plead not guilty and waived his right to an extradition hearing.
Monique and McKee were married in 2015 and divorced in 2017; Monique married Spencer in 2020.
The Tepes had two children, and Spencer was a dentist; Monique was a stay-at-home mom.
McKee is being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Illinois before being moved to Ohio for trial.
The article focuses on Bill Pulte, who is the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and his actions targeting opponents of President Donald Trump. Pulte has made accusations against several political figures and called for investigations into their activities. He has also been vocal in his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte is the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Pulte has accused several public figures, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell, of wrongdoing.
Federal prosecutors are investigating Jerome Powell regarding a costly renovation project.
Pulte wants Congress to investigate Powell for alleged political bias and false testimony.
Pulte echoed President Trump’s calls for Powell to lower interest rates.
Pulte’s accusations have drawn criticism, with claims he misuses his position.
Pulte previously led Pulte Capital Partners and is related to the founder of PulteGroup, a major homebuilder.
The Government Accountability Office is looking into Pulte's practices following a Senate Democrats' request.
The state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are suing the federal government to stop a large immigration enforcement operation. This follows a police shooting involving an ICE officer and a surge of ICE officers in the state.
Key Facts
Minnesota and the Twin Cities are taking legal action against the federal government.
The lawsuit aims to stop or limit a major ICE operation in Minnesota.
A Minneapolis woman was shot by an ICE officer, leading to increased tension.
The Department of Homeland Security has deployed over 2,000 immigration officers to Minnesota.
ICE has arrested over 2,000 people in the area since the operation began.
The surge is described as ICE's largest enforcement operation ever.
The lawsuit claims the operation violates federal law because other states do not have similar enforcement levels.
The Trump administration says the operation targets fraud, but the lawsuit argues ICE agents lack the necessary fraud expertise.
President Trump's Justice Department is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for his Congressional testimony about a Fed building project. This move escalates the ongoing conflict between President Trump and Powell concerning interest rate policies. The situation may impact the credibility and independence of the Federal Reserve and could affect financial markets and future Fed leadership.
Key Facts
President Trump's Justice Department is investigating Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
The investigation concerns Powell's testimony about a Federal Reserve building project.
President Trump has had ongoing disagreements with Powell on interest rate policies.
Powell's term as Fed chair ends in May, but he can remain as a governor until 2028.
Financial markets have not reacted strongly to the news.
All living former Fed chairs and other officials condemned the investigation.
Senator Thom Tillis expressed concerns about the impact on the Department of Justice's independence.
The Supreme Court will hear a related case about President Trump's power to fire Fed officials.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against President Trump's administration. The lawsuit accuses federal agents of using harmful tactics, like questioning and detaining U.S. citizens and using tear gas, during immigration enforcement operations. The agents reportedly acted in ways that have disrupted local services and violated constitutional rights.
Key Facts
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Chicago are suing the Trump administration.
The lawsuit claims ICE and CBP agents used harmful tactics, like tear gas and unwarranted detentions.
U.S. citizens have reportedly been detained by federal agents without proper cause.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
President Trump's administration has increased immigration enforcement in Chicago, calling it Operation Midway Blitz.
Over 4,500 individuals have been arrested as part of this operation.
The lawsuit suggests federal actions have disrupted local services like education and health.
Illinois and Chicago officials maintain sanctuary policies, which have been criticized by the Trump administration.
Senator Mark Kelly has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon. He claims the Trump administration tried to punish him for speaking out against illegal orders. Kelly is trying to stop a censure that could affect his military retirement benefits.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Kelly is a Democrat from Arizona.
He used to be a U.S. Navy pilot.
Kelly participated in a video asking troops to not follow illegal orders.
He received a censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The censure is a formal letter and might lead to a reduction in Kelly's retirement benefits.
Kelly believes this action violates his right to free speech.
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration acted unconstitutionally by canceling energy grants, affecting mostly states that did not support President Trump in the 2024 election. The Department of Energy must now restore $27.6 million in grants to seven specific projects. The judge found that the administration discriminated based on political affiliation of the states where the grants were canceled.
Key Facts
A federal judge found the cancellation of approximately $8 billion in energy grants violated the Constitution.
The cancellations mostly affected projects in states that voted against President Trump in 2024.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta said this violated the Fifth Amendment's promise of equal protection.
The judge's ruling orders the restoration of seven grants totaling $27.6 million.
Grants aimed at environmental projects were mainly affected, such as electric vehicle development and energy efficiency.
The Department of Energy was involved in these decisions, following an announcement by the Office of Management and Budget.
The pattern showed consistent termination of grants in blue (Democratic-leaning) states, while similar grants in red (Republican-leaning) states continued.
Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke with President Donald Trump on the phone about high prices. They discussed his efforts to limit credit card rates and reduce housing costs. The White House did not comment on the conversation.
Key Facts
Senator Elizabeth Warren is from Massachusetts.
Warren had given a speech urging President Trump to address high prices.
President Trump called Warren after her speech.
They discussed issues like capping credit card rates.
Warren advised Trump to take action to provide economic relief.
The White House did not respond to media questions about the talk.
President Trump might have been "trolling" Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, according to Senator Roger Marshall. Powell stated that the Department of Justice sent subpoenas related to a Senate testimony about building renovations, which he believes is due to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. Online reactions to these developments included skepticism and humor about whether legal actions could be considered "trolling."
Key Facts
Senator Roger Marshall commented that President Trump might be "trolling" Jerome Powell.
The Department of Justice issued subpoenas to the Federal Reserve concerning Jerome Powell's Senate testimony.
Jerome Powell thinks the investigation is due to interest rate decisions, not building renovations or congressional oversight.
Costs for the Federal Reserve renovations exceeded budget by $600 million, totaling $2.5 billion.
President Trump claims he has no knowledge of the Federal Reserve investigation.
Powell's term as the Federal Reserve chair ends in May, but he remains a governor until 2028.
Public reactions to the "trolling" comment varied from criticism to humor.
