Demand Progress

Donald Trump opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and threatened him with a criminal indictment. Powell shot back, saying the investigation is politically motivated because the Fed hasn’t given in to Trump’s policy demands.¹ Powell added that the White House’s threats were a “pretext” for Trump to gain more control over the Federal Reserve.²

When Trump doesn’t get what he wants, he breaks the law, abuses his power, and brings America another step towards full authoritarianism.

Powell now joins a long list of political enemies that the White House and DOJ have attacked, including James Comey, Letitia James, Senator Mark Kelly, and DOJ and FBI officials involved in prosecuting January 6 cases. Congress must put an end to Trump’s relentless political attacks.

Sign the petition: Stop Trump from persecuting, prosecuting, and silencing political opponents!

A number of Congressional Republicans and Trump allies distanced themselves from this blatant political persecution.³ But Trump is determined to get what he wants.

In response to the attacks on Powell, Senator Bernie Sanders said, “In his pursuit of absolute power, Trump attempts to destroy anyone who stands in his way.”⁴

Under the Trump regime, no one who opposes the White House’s far-right agenda is safe. We need our lawmakers to decisively stand up against this authoritarianism.

Sign the petition: Congress must take immediate action to end Trump’s politically motivated threats, arrests, and prosecutions NOW.

Sources:

1. The Guardian, "Justice department opens investigation into Jerome Powell as Trump ramps up campaign against Federal Reserve," January 11, 2026.
2. Reuters, "Fed's Powell says Trump administration has threatened him with a criminal indictment," January 12, 2026.
3. Axios, "Trump allies distance themselves from potential Powell investigation," January 13, 2026.
4. Sen. Sanders on X, "Trump’s persecution of Jerome Powell and his political opponents must end..." January 12, 2026.