Judge Rebukes Trump Administration Over "Improper" Case Against Fed Chair

A federal judge has rejected subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ), calling its case against the Federal Reserve "improper." The judge stated the legal action appeared designed to force Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to either cut interest rates or resign. The decision is a significant development in a political conflict. Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell. Trump has often pressured the independent Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. The Federal Reserve sets monetary policy, primarily through interest rates, to control inflation and support employment. Its leaders are intended to operate free from political pressure. This case was widely seen as an attempt to influence that independence. The judge's ruling halts this particular legal effort. It represents a judicial check on executive branch actions targeting the central bank.