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.
Miami's new mayor, Eileen Higgins, is focusing on practical issues like affordable housing and city services instead of political ideologies. She wants the city to only cooperate with federal immigration authorities as required by law. Mayor Higgins also supports the return of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans living in Miami.
Key Facts
Eileen Higgins is the newly elected Mayor of Miami.
She returned the mayor's office to the Democratic Party for the first time in 30 years.
Her campaign focused on housing affordability, city services, and government ethics.
Higgins plans to limit Miami's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to only what is legally required.
She supports restoring Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans in Miami.
Higgins is critical of the handling of a proposal to build a Donald J. Trump Presidential Library on public land in Miami.
President Donald Trump warned that repaying tariffs would be problematic if the Supreme Court rules against his authority to impose them. He claimed paying back the collected tariffs could take a long time and would involve massive amounts of money. Trump used social media to express concerns about the possible financial chaos from a negative court ruling.
Key Facts
President Trump discussed a potential issue with tariff refunds if the Supreme Court disagrees with his authority.
He mentioned the complexity and difficulty of repaying the tariffs collected.
The potential repayment could involve "Hundreds of Billions of Dollars."
Trump also noted investments by countries and companies against tariffs that could raise the total impact to "Trillions of Dollars."
He expressed his opinion that it would be nearly impossible for the U.S. to handle such repayments swiftly.
Trump's warning came ahead of an upcoming Supreme Court decision on the matter.
A federal judge will hold a hearing about how Pennsylvania police collected evidence during the arrest of Luigi Mangione. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and faces charges in both New York and Pennsylvania. The defense argues that some evidence should not be used because it was obtained without a warrant.
Key Facts
A federal judge decided to look into the methods used by police to take evidence during Luigi Mangione's arrest.
Mangione is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare's CEO in December 2024 in New York City.
He was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after the shooting.
The defense argues that police searched Mangione's backpack without a warrant.
Items in the backpack included a gun and a notebook, which are seen as important evidence.
A hearing will focus on police procedures for holding and checking arrested people's belongings.
The judge has asked for a police officer to explain the police department's procedures during the hearing.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty, and his case continues to draw public attention.
In Minneapolis, five years after George Floyd's death, videos of Renee Good's death have sparked a new debate about law enforcement. Good was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, with differing interpretations emerging about the incident captured on video. Discussions focus on whether the shooting was justified and how cultural attitudes and technology influence public perception.
Key Facts
Renee Good was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross last week in Minneapolis.
Videos showing the moments before Good's death have led to public debate, similar to that following George Floyd's death.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance suggested the shooting was justified.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey disagreed with labeling Good as a domestic terrorist.
Videos show Good in her car, but it's unclear if she hit Ross before he fired.
ICE official Tom Homan called the shooting a result of negative rhetoric against ICE.
Experts say videos can't fully show intent, creating varied interpretations of the incident.
Renee Good was opposing ICE enforcement of immigration laws at the time of the incident.
Senator Mark Kelly has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon. Kelly alleges that Hegseth is trying to lower his military rank and pension because Kelly participated in a video encouraging troops to refuse illegal orders. The lawsuit claims this action violates constitutional rights like free speech.
Key Facts
Mark Kelly is a U.S. Senator and retired Navy captain who has filed a lawsuit.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a letter of censure to Kelly for statements made in a video.
The Pentagon began an investigation into Kelly after the video's release.
Hegseth is using a federal law that allows the review and potential reduction of a retired officer's rank and pension.
The lawsuit claims this action violates the First Amendment, which protects free speech.
Kelly argues that this action is to silence dissent and sets a precedent against free expression.
Kelly’s actions in the video followed U.S. military strikes and domestic policy moves from President Trump.
Legal experts question the legality of Hegseth’s actions since the law is usually applied to active duty conduct.
President Donald Trump's administration is targeting several government officials who have either opposed him or not followed his directives. A recent focus is on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who is under investigation by the Justice Department after resisting pressure to cut interest rates. Other officials facing actions include Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook and former FBI Director James Comey.
Key Facts
President Trump is targeting officials who disagree with him or resist his influence.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is being investigated by the Justice Department.
Powell has defended the Fed's independence from presidential influence.
Trump-appointed officials criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates enough.
Fed board member Lisa Cook faces allegations of mortgage fraud but remains on the board.
The Supreme Court is handling a case about Cook's position.
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted but the case was dismissed due to an unlawful appointment by the Justice Department.
Trump's administration actions demonstrate an ongoing conflict with independent federal agencies.
President Donald Trump's administration is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, causing some political backlash and support for the Fed's independence. The investigation is linked to pressure on Powell to cut interest rates, and some lawmakers have spoken out against the actions. The situation may influence the appointment of the next Fed chair and the Fed's decision-making.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration is conducting a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve.
Some lawmakers, including Republican senators, have criticized the investigation, seeing it as a threat to the Fed's independence.
The investigation involves subpoenas related to the costs of renovating Fed buildings.
The Justice Department has suggested criminal charges could be considered over Powell's past congressional testimony.
Powell's current term as Fed chair ends in May, but he remains a Fed governor until January 2028.
The investigation's timing coincides with President Trump's discussions about nominating a new Fed chair.
Some economists believe the Fed will avoid cutting interest rates in its upcoming meeting to demonstrate its independence from political pressure.
Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski have voiced opposition to the administration's actions and nominees.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski has called for a congressional investigation into President Donald Trump's Department of Justice. She is concerned about the investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, claiming it could threaten the Fed's independence and market stability. Murkowski supports suspending new Federal Reserve nominations by President Trump until the issue is resolved.
Key Facts
Senator Lisa Murkowski wants Congress to investigate the Department of Justice.
The investigation involves Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Murkowski believes this could affect the Federal Reserve's independence.
She worries this could harm market stability and the economy.
Murkowski supports Senator Thom Tillis's plan to block new Fed nominations.
This situation involves the Trump administration's actions against the Federal Reserve.
President Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly using legal threats against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to influence monetary policy decisions. The DOJ has served subpoenas related to Powell's testimony on a renovation project, which some say is an effort to pressure the Fed to lower interest rates. This conflict raises concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve and the role of the DOJ.
Key Facts
President Trump is using the DOJ to apply legal pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The DOJ issued grand jury subpoenas and threatened Powell with criminal charges over a renovation project.
Powell claims the legal actions are meant to force the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.
There is a longstanding disagreement between President Trump and Powell about interest rate policies.
President Trump’s DOJ opened a criminal investigation into Powell’s Congressional testimony and the renovation project.
Critics argue this use of prosecutorial power undermines the Federal Reserve's independence.
Congress is threatening to block any Federal Reserve appointments until the legal issue is resolved.
Some Republicans and Democrats express concerns about the implications for the DOJ’s independence.
A man named Rhydian Lynne Rhys Jamieson was sentenced to 35 years in prison for attempting to kill his baby daughter by throwing her at a TV, causing severe injuries. The baby, who suffered a fractured skull and brain damage, will need lifelong care. The incident occurred in Y Ferwig, Ceredigion, and Jamieson's attempts to change his guilty plea were denied.
Key Facts
Rhydian Jamieson, 28, was sentenced to 35 years for trying to kill his daughter.
He threw the baby at a TV, causing serious injuries like a fractured skull.
The baby will need ongoing medical care and support for life.
Jamieson sent texts admitting to the attack and expressing fear.
Jamieson had previously admitted the offense in January 2025.
The judge called the act an "uncontrolled temper" and "horrendous callousness."
Jamieson must serve two-thirds of the sentence before possible release.
His request to withdraw his guilty plea was denied by the court.
President Donald Trump is in a disagreement with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates and the renovation costs at the Fed's building. Powell stated that the Department of Justice has brought criminal charges related to his testimony. This situation raises concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve in setting interest rates without political influence.
Key Facts
President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell have ongoing disagreements about setting U.S. interest rates.
The Federal Reserve is responsible for deciding interest rates, which affect the U.S. economy and indirectly, the global economy.
The U.S. Department of Justice issued criminal charges linked to Powell's testimony about Federal Reserve building renovations.
Powell suggests these actions are part of broader political pressure from the Trump administration.
Federal Reserve independence is crucial for market stability, both in the U.S. and globally.
Powell's term as Fed Chair ends in May, and he may be replaced by an economist who aligns more with Trump's views.
This conflict could impact U.S. and global financial markets, including U.S. Treasury stability.
There's concern about the U.S. administration potentially using Federal Reserve tools to influence international trade conflicts.
Democrat Mary Peltola, who used to be a U.S. Representative from Alaska, plans to run against Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in the upcoming midterm elections. She aims to make living in Alaska more affordable.
Key Facts
Mary Peltola is a Democrat and former U.S. Representative from Alaska.
She announced she will run for the U.S. Senate in the midterm elections.
Peltola will challenge Republican Senator Dan Sullivan.
Her goal is to make life more affordable for people living in Alaska.
She shared her announcement through a video message.
Mary Peltola, a Democrat, announced her run for the Senate in Alaska, possibly increasing Democrats' chances to gain control of the Senate. Peltola is challenging Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in a traditionally Republican state. This race is crucial as it could decide Senate control during the 2026 midterms.
Key Facts
Mary Peltola, a Democrat and former Representative, entered the Alaska Senate race.
Alaska is traditionally a Republican state, with President Trump winning by 13 percentage points in the last election.
Political analysts shifted Alaska's Senate race rating after Peltola's entry, making it more favorable for Democrats.
Peltola won a statewide election in 2022 but lost in 2024.
The Senate is currently held by Republicans with a 53-47 majority.
Democrats need to win in states that supported Trump to gain a Senate majority.
Other key states for Democrats include Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Maine.
A video went viral showing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent following a person into a porta-potty in Minnesota, leading to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS explained that the person was a male immigrant in custody and that agents must not leave anyone alone in enclosed spaces. The incident occurred amid heightened attention on ICE activities following a recent shooting in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
A video of an ICE agent following a person into a porta-potty in Minnesota went viral.
DHS clarified that the person in the video was a male immigrant, not a woman.
DHS stated it's policy not to let anyone in custody enter enclosed spaces alone.
The situation arises after the shooting of a U.S. citizen by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
The video received over 6.4 million views.
Representative Ilhan Omar called the incident "deeply alarming."
DHS plans to send more federal agents to Minneapolis for ongoing operations.
There have been calls from locals for ICE to leave the city.
