🚨 On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Fed Chair Jerome Powell stunned markets with an unscheduled video statement that sounded like emergency sirens across the global central banking community.
Known for speaking in measured tones and guarded statements, central bankers typically drop hints, not alerts—so when Powell went off-script, it raised eyebrows everywhere. He revealed that the US Department of Justice had served him and the Fed with grand jury subpoenas and even threatened criminal charges over the $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed’s historic headquarters. 😲
In an unprecedented show of solidarity, central bankers from around the world issued a joint statement backing Powell’s fight—a near-‘unionization’ never seen before.
Why does this matter? Central bank independence is a cornerstone of stable economies and trusted monetary policy. When political and legal battles creep into the Fed’s back office, it risks shaking confidence in financial markets everywhere. 🌐💰
This episode proves that defending the Fed’s autonomy isn’t just jargon on a policy paper—it’s essential for keeping our dollars, yen, euros, and pounds on firm ground. As this ‘witch-hunt’ unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the DOJ’s move changes the game for central bank leaders worldwide.
What’s next? Stay tuned as this gripping saga develops—because when monetary guardians go to war over independence, markets and economies hang in the balance. 📈
Reference(s):
Preaching 'freedom' to punishing independence: The Powell witch-hunt
cgtn.com
