The Jerome Powell investigation shows Trump's need for limitless power | Austin Sarat

The Trump administration's crusade against Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, has finally taken a turn for the absurd. As investigations into alleged lies to Congress swirl around Powell's head like a bad storm, it's clear that President Trump's governing philosophy is nothing short of "do what I want or face the consequences." This mindset has been on full display as Trump wages war against the Fed and its chief, who dared to set interest rates based on best estimates rather than following the president's whims.

Powell's crime? Following orders. Or, more accurately, doing his job without fear of reprisal from a President determined to clip the wings of any institution that dares stand in his way. The investigation into Powell is a test – not just for him and the Fed but for every person or institution that might be tempted to challenge Trump's authority.

Powell's defiance was met with swift pushback, as Trump publicly attacked and threatened to fire the Fed chief for refusing to slash interest rates to stimulate the economy. And now, the administration has launched an investigation into Powell's testimony about a renovation project at the Federal Reserve building – a move that echoes the pretext used by the administration to indict former FBI Director James Comey.

The irony is not lost on observers: who would have thought that Trump's justice department would take aim at someone as committed to independence and tradition as Powell? The investigation raises eyebrows, especially when considered in the context of other recent actions – like the Trump administration's attempt to remove Lisa Cook, a Fed board member accused of mortgage fraud.

For those still unsure, let it be clear: under Trump, there is no such thing as "too much" power. The President has repeatedly demonstrated his disdain for checks on his authority, including those provided by the judiciary and even the Federal Reserve itself. When the Supreme Court hinted at a limit to the president's power in cases involving tariffs and executive branch appointments, Trump's response was swift: he wants 100% compliance, not 90% or 95%.

In this context, Powell's investigation is more than just a personal vendetta; it represents a broader attempt by the administration to undermine the Fed's independence. The stakes are high, as investors, policymakers, and even the judiciary itself begin to take notice.

Make no mistake: Trump will not be silenced or swayed by conventional norms of governance. His vision for America is one-man rule, where he gets his way 100% of the time – and those who dare challenge him must face the consequences. The investigation into Powell serves as a warning sign that this is no longer about policy disagreements but rather about the president's unyielding resolve to crush any opposition.

As we watch this unfolding drama, one thing becomes clear: the fate of American democracy hangs in the balance. Will we stand up for our institutions and the rule of law, or will we succumb to Trump's relentless pressure? The answer, much like Powell himself, remains uncertain – but one thing is certain: it won't be easy.
 
🤣 can you believe this guy Trump thinks he's above the law lol 😂 Powell just did his job and now he's in trouble. Like what even is a renovation project at the Fed building to warrant an investigation? Sounds like they're trying to distract us from the real issues. Anyway, I got one for you, why did Trump bring a ladder to the meeting with Jerome Powell? Because he wanted to take their conversation to a higher level 🤣😂
 
🤯 I mean, come on! This is getting out of hand. Jerome Powell is just doing his job and following the rules. It's not like he's breaking any laws or being corrupt. The fact that Trump is going after him for allegedly lying to Congress is just ridiculous. And now they're investigating a renovation project at the Fed building? That's just weak sauce. It's clear that Trump is trying to undermine the Fed's independence and rule of law. We need to stand up for our institutions and not let this kind of behavior slide. I'm getting a little worried about where this is all going... 😬
 
😒 This whole thing with Jerome Powell is getting wild 🤯... I mean, who tries to investigate a Fed chief for following orders? It just goes to show that Trump's not afraid of playing dirty politics. Like, what's next? Investigating the Supreme Court justices for their verdicts? 🙄

And can we talk about how this whole thing is a perfect example of the President's ego getting in the way of governance? I mean, he thinks he's above the law and that everyone else should just follow his lead. Newsflash, Mr. Trump: you're not above the law, and your actions have consequences 🚫.

I'm also super curious about what's going on with Lisa Cook, the Fed board member who was accused of mortgage fraud. Was this a set-up for the investigation into Powell? It feels like the administration is just trying to create a narrative that says "we're not being biased against our allies." Meanwhile, Powell's just sitting there, getting investigated for doing his job 🤷‍♂️.

Anyway, one thing's for sure: this whole thing is a huge deal for American democracy. We need people like Powell who are willing to stand up to the President and do what they think is right, even if it means going against him. We can't just sit back and let Trump get away with this kind of behavior 🤬.
 
I'm getting super worried about what's happening with Jerome Powell 🤯. It's crazy to think that someone who just does their job and tries to keep the economy stable could be under investigation for allegedly lying 😬. I mean, come on, if you're going to investigate him, shouldn't it be because of something real? Like, actually doing something wrong? 🙄

It's like Trump thinks he can just do whatever he wants and everyone else has to just roll over 👊. Newsflash, dude: we don't work that way 😂. Our institutions are in place for a reason – to keep the powerful in check and make sure we're all treated fairly.

I'm so glad there are people like Powell who still believe in doing their job with integrity 💯. We need more of those kinds of people, not less 🙌. And we definitely don't need the justice system being used as a tool to silence opposition 👮‍♂️.

This whole thing is making me really anxious about the state of our democracy 🤕. I hope everyone stays vigilant and looks out for each other – we can't let Trump get away with this kind of behavior 😡. We have to stand up for what's right, even if it's hard 💪.
 
The man is getting away with this stuff 🙄... I mean, who does he think he is? Trying to strong-arm the Fed into doing his bidding, and now they're investigating Jerome Powell for doing his job? The Fed's not supposed to be a rubber stamp for Trump's ego, you know? 🤑 It's like, come on, we all know interest rates are going up because of inflation... does he really think people are that gullible? 😒
 
🤔 This whole situation with Jerome Powell is getting out of hand 🚨. I mean, come on, who does the President think he is? Trying to bully and intimidate an independent institution like the Fed into doing his bidding is just not okay 😒. It's like he thinks he can just get away with anything as long as he's in power.

And what really gets my goat is that this is all about trying to undermine the Fed's independence 🤝. I mean, the Fed is supposed to be above politics and make decisions based on data and evidence, not some personal agenda or whim. Powell's crime? Following orders 💼. He's just doing his job, and if that gets him investigated, then so be it.

The irony here is that the whole thing is about Trump's desire for unchecked power 🚫. Newsflash, Mr. President: there are checks and balances in place for a reason 🤝. You can't just disregard them because they make you uncomfortable or inconvenient. It's time for some tough love and a healthy dose of accountability 💪.

Investors, policymakers, and even the judiciary need to step up and defend these institutions against this kind of attack 🔥. We can't let Trump get away with silencing dissenting voices or undermining the rule of law 🤦‍♂️. It's time for some serious pushback 💥, and it starts now.
 
This is getting crazy 🤯! I'm really worried about what's going on with Jerome Powell and the Fed. It feels like they're being picked apart for just doing their job. I mean, who doesn't want to follow orders if you're supposed to? 😬 The fact that Trump is making it seem like they're not following orders but rather setting interest rates based on their own estimates just sounds fishy 🤔. And now this investigation into Powell's renovation project? That just smells like a whole lot of trumped-up charges 😳. It's like he's trying to set a precedent where you can investigate anyone who doesn't agree with him, no matter what the reason is 💯. I really hope that our institutions are able to stand up for themselves and not get worn down by this kind of relentless pressure ⚖️.
 
just can you believe trump is doing this? 🤯 he's basically saying that his word is law and if anyone dares to question him, they're toast. newsflash trump: just because you're the president doesn't mean you can do whatever you want without consequences. this whole thing with powell is getting out of hand - it's like trump is trying to strangle the fed's independence altogether 🤑

and what's next? will he start investigating himself for lying to congress? 🤔 this investigation into powell's renovation project is a total joke - trump's justice department is basically just covering up his own behind. i mean, come on people - wake up and smell the coffee. this is not governance, it's authoritarianism 😳
 
The Trump administration's actions are getting more and more erratic 🤯. They're basically saying that they can do whatever they want and that the law doesn't apply to them. It's like they think they're above the system and that no one else matters except for President Trump.

I'm not surprised, though. I've seen this kind of behavior in people who are used to getting their way all the time. And it's not just about Powell, it's about anyone who dares to challenge Trump's authority. It's like they're trying to create a culture of fear and silence.

But you know what really gets me? The fact that so many people seem to be okay with this kind of behavior 🤔. I mean, where is the outrage? Where are the voices speaking out against this kind of abuse of power?

As someone who's lived through their fair share of turmoil, I can tell you that this kind of thing doesn't end well 😱. When institutions like the Fed and the judiciary start to get bullied, it's a slippery slope. And before you know it, we're talking about a complete breakdown of our system of government.

I just hope that people wake up soon and realize what's going on 🙏. We need to stand up for our institutions and the rule of law, not let them be trampled underfoot. It's not too late yet, but we need to act fast before it's too late ⏰.
 
The escalating saga surrounding Jerome Powell has taken a turn for the peculiar 🤔. It's perplexing that an investigation into alleged lies has turned into a personal vendetta against the Fed chief. The administration's actions seem to be a clear example of authoritarianism, where power is concentrated in the hands of one individual and dissent is not tolerated.

The irony here is that Powell's crime was doing his job without fear of reprisal, which is the very essence of a free institution 🤷‍♂️. The investigation into his testimony about a renovation project at the Federal Reserve building seems like a desperate attempt to discredit him and undermine the Fed's independence.

It's also worth noting that this move echoes the administration's previous attempts to intimidate and silence its opponents, such as James Comey 🔒. Trump's disdain for checks on his authority is well-documented, and it's clear that he sees himself as above the law 🚫.

The stakes are indeed high here, and the consequences of allowing Trump to undermine our institutions could be catastrophic ⚠️. As we watch this unfold, it's essential to remember that American democracy relies on checks and balances, which seem to be eroding under Trump's leadership 🤕. The question is, will we stand up for our institutions or succumb to the pressure? Only time will tell 💔.
 
omg, this is getting ridiculous 🤣, trump thinks he can just dictate what's best for the country and everyone else should just follow along? newsflash, dude: we have a system of checks and balances in place for a reason 🙄, but hey, who needs that when you've got power and a Twitter feed, right? 😂

anyway, i'm genuinely worried about what this means for the fed's independence and the state of american democracy 🤕, it's like trump is trying to dismantle our entire system of governance piece by piece 💣. but hey, at least we'll have some good entertainment while it all unfolds 📺, right? 😒
 
can someone explain to me why trump admin has gotta go all out on powell now lol its just a normal day at the fed with them setting interest rates who knew being good at your job would get you under scrutiny from the big cheese himself 😂 anyway, anyone else think its kinda messed up that trumps going after powell like this? I mean, isn't his job to be independent and stuff? 🤔 seems like he's trying to make an example out of him just so we can all see how power corrupts
 
OMG 🤯, this whole Jerome Powell thing is getting SO CRAZY!!! 🚨 I mean, I get that Trump wants his way and all, but come on! Investigating Powell over a renovation project at the Fed building? That's just wild. It feels like Trump's trying to send a message: if you don't do what I say, you're in trouble 💥.

I'm low-key worried about this whole thing 🤔. If Trump can take down someone as respected and independent as Powell, what's next? Is everyone else at the Fed going to get axed too? 😬 The irony is that Trump's trying to undermine the Fed's independence, but really he's just undermining his own credibility 🙄.

I'm all for checks on power, you feel? 💪 Especially when it comes to something as important as monetary policy. If Trump wants to play this game, I hope someone holds him accountable 👊. This isn't about politics or policy disagreements; it's about the rule of law and whether we're willing to stand up against a President who refuses to follow it 🤝.

So yeah, I'm keeping an eye on this one 👀. It's getting intense, and I don't think we can just sit back and watch. We need to speak out against this kind of abuse of power 💬. Anyone with me? 😅
 
Ugh I'm so done with the constant drama on this platform 🤯😩. Can't we just have a calm discussion about something other than Trump's antics for once? The fact that an investigation into Powell's testimony has even happened is wild enough, but to make it personal like this? It's getting out of hand 💸🚫. I'm worried what's going to happen next and how it's going to affect the Fed and the economy... 🤷‍♂️💔
 
Trump is getting away with some crazy stuff 🤯🚨, I mean who needs checks and balances when you've got the power? This whole thing with Jerome Powell is just another example of Trump doing what he wants and expecting everyone else to roll over 😒. The fact that they're investigating Powell's testimony about a renovation project at the Fed building seems super suspicious 🤔, especially considering all the other shady moves this administration has made.

I'm seriously worried about the state of American democracy right now 🤕, it feels like we're being watched and controlled by someone who doesn't care about our rights or freedoms 👀. The investigation into Powell is just a test to see how far Trump will push things before people stand up to him 💪. I hope more people start speaking out against this kind of behavior because it's not okay 🙅‍♂️.

And can we talk about how ironic it is that they're investigating someone who's just doing their job? Like, what's next? Investigating the sun for being too bright or something? ☀️ It's just so frustrating to watch this administration play games with our institutions and our democracy 🤯.
 
[Image of a person being crushed by a giant hammer with a red "X" through it]

[Dramatic music plays]

[Fed chief Jerome Powell holding a sign that says "I'm not afraid of you, Trump"]

[Video of a stock market ticker going up and down rapidly, with the caption "Market on edge"]

[Trump's face with a shocked expression, surrounded by flames]
 
I'm so worried about this Jerome Powell situation... it's like Trump's just playing some crazy game and the Fed is getting caught in the middle 🤯. I mean, who needs checks on power when you can just bully people into doing what you want? It's like he thinks he's above the law or something 🙄.

And now they're investigating Powell for a renovation project at the Federal Reserve building... that's some deep state stuff right there 🔍. I'm not saying it's definitely politics, but come on, Trump's administration has a history of using pretext to get what they want. It's like they think they can just make up their own rules and nobody will question them 🤷‍♂️.

The thing is, if the Fed loses its independence, that's a huge deal for American democracy... it's like, how are we supposed to trust our institutions anymore? 😱. I'm not saying Powell or anyone else is innocent, but this whole thing just feels so... off 🤔.

I'm keeping an eye on this one, folks... it's going to be interesting to see where it goes 😬
 
🤯 this is getting outta hand 🚫💸 Trump's all about control 🕳️ and if the Fed doesn't do what he wants 😡 he'll just find another way to clip their wings 🦉 meanwhile Powell's just doing his job 👮‍♂️ no need for drama or investigations 🤔 but this is America right? 🇺🇸 we're supposed to stand up for our institutions and the rule of law 💪 it's time someone spoke out against this abuse of power 🗣️
 
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