Fed Chair Jerome Powell says he won’t leave bank until DOJ probe is over

The Hill
by Sylvan Lane
March 18, 2026
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3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Fed Chair Powell says he will stay through DOJ investigation and successor confirmation.

How This Affects You

Continuity at the Federal Reserve during an investigation may stabilize monetary policy decisions affecting your mortgage rates, savings accounts, and inflation.

AI Summary

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday he will remain in his position until his successor is confirmed and will not resign from the Fed's board until the Trump administration completes its criminal investigation into him. Powell's statement directly addresses speculation about his tenure following the opening of the DOJ probe. By committing to stay through both the confirmation process and the investigation's conclusion, Powell is signaling continuity at the central bank's helm during a period of potential institutional uncertainty. The Fed chair's decision to remain in place means there will be no abrupt leadership vacuum during what could be an extended investigation. Powell's firm stance also reflects his apparent confidence that he can weather the inquiry while maintaining the credibility needed to lead the nation's monetary policy.

What's Being Done

The Trump administration's DOJ has opened a criminal investigation into Powell.

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