1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The independence of the Federal Reserve is a cornerstone of U.S. economic stability. Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration has exerted political pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, including public threats and politically motivated investigations. Such actions threaten the integrity of monetary policy and risk undermining confidence in the U.S. economy. Federal law and long-standing precedent require that the Federal Reserve operate free from partisan interference. Attempts to install a “yes man” or to punish officials for policy decisions set a dangerous precedent, eroding institutional norms and creating uncertainty in global markets. Any politicization of the Fed directly impacts Americans through inflation, interest rates, and long-term economic growth. Congress has a constitutional duty to oversee the executive branch and protect independent agencies critical to national stability. Oversight should include: - Subpoenaing relevant communications between the administration and the Federal Reserve - Assessing whether threats or intimidation have compromised decision-making - Investigating any attempts to undermine the Fed’s independence or to circumvent statutory protections The American people rely on the Federal Reserve to make decisions based on economic expertise, not political expediency. Congressional inaction risks long-term economic harm and sets a precedent that could allow future administrations to destabilize independent institutions for political gain. Immediate oversight is essential to preserve trust in one of the nation’s most important financial institutions and to protect the economy from partisan interference.