Ex-Prosecutor on DOJ's Powell Probe and Trump's Targeting of Opponents

DOJ Investigation into Jerome Powell

• 🔍 The Justice Department has initiated a subpoena seeking information from Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve regarding pressure to lower interest rates.
• ⚖️ This is an early stage, and any potential criminal charges would require a grand jury indictment and a unanimous jury verdict beyond a reasonable doubt.
• ⚠️ Powell could file motions to dismiss charges based on vindictiveness due to the president's public criticism and the timing of the investigation.
• 💡 Charges like false statements to Congress or perjury require proof of willful and knowing false statements, which current testimony does not appear to support.

Lisa Cook Case and Presidential Pressure

• 🏛️ The Supreme Court is set to hear the case of Fed Governor Lisa Cook, who faced allegations of mortgage fraud in an attempted removal by the Trump administration.
• 📌 The timing of the Powell investigation lends credence to arguments that the intent to remove Cook was not well-grounded.
• 📉 The context includes the president's history of removing Democratic appointees from independent commissions to favor his own appointees.

Institutional Impact of DOJ Actions

• 🎯 The White House, particularly the president, appears to be directing DOJ investigations into perceived political opponents like Comey, Cook, Powell, and Schiff.
• 🗣️ Despite presidential denials, the pattern of disparaging individuals and subsequent investigations raises skepticism about the DOJ's independence.
• 🧐 The pursuit of such cases, regardless of outcome, has institutional implications for the Department of Justice.