Anti-Trump Judge Blocks DOJ Subpoenas Targeting Fed Chair Powell

A federal judge has halted an attempt by the Justice Department to issue grand jury subpoenas targeting the leadership of the Federal Reserve, ruling that prosecutors failed to demonstrate evidence of criminal wrongdoing by the central bank’s chairman.

In a newly unsealed opinion, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg blocked the move and questioned the motive behind the subpoenas aimed at Jerome Powell.

According to the judge, the Justice Department’s effort appeared less focused on investigating a crime and more on applying political pressure.

“Did prosecutors issue those subpoenas for a proper purpose? The Court finds that they did not. There is abundant evidence that the subpoenas’ dominant (if not sole) purpose is to harass and pressure Powell either to yield to the President or to resign and make way for a Fed Chair who will,” Boasberg wrote.

Investigation Stemmed From Senate Testimony

The dispute centers on a criminal inquiry launched earlier this year by Jeanine Pirro.

The investigation examined Powell’s June 2025 testimony before the United States Senate Banking Committee regarding a long-running renovation project at the Federal Reserve’s Washington headquarters.

Powell revealed the existence of the probe in January and characterized it as an attempt to undermine the independence of the central bank.

Justice Department Plans Appeal

Pirro quickly responded to the ruling on Friday, announcing that the Justice Department intends to challenge the decision.

“This process has been arbitrarily undermined by an activist judge,” Pirro said, arguing that the ruling improperly prevented prosecutors from carrying out their duties.

“Boasberg put himself at the entrance door to the grand jury, slamming that door shut — irrespective of the legal process — and thus preventing the grand jury from doing the work that it does,” she continued.

An appeal could extend the legal battle surrounding Powell’s leadership of the Federal Reserve.

Trump Criticisms Highlighted in Ruling

President Donald J. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell’s handling of interest rate policy and has openly discussed replacing him.

Trump has floated former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh as a potential successor.

Reacting to the ruling, Thom Tillis suggested the investigation had little chance of success.

“The ruling confirms just how weak and frivolous the criminal investigation of Chairman Powell is, and it is nothing more than a failed attack on Fed independence,” Tillis said Friday.

He added that continuing the case could delay a possible leadership change at the Federal Reserve.

“We all know how this is going to end, and the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office should save itself further embarrassment and move on. Appealing the ruling will only delay the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair.”

Judge Points to Pattern of Public Criticism

In his ruling, Boasberg cited several public statements by President Trump criticizing Powell’s leadership at the central bank.

The judge referenced one social media post in which Trump wrote:

“Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell has done it again!!! He is TOO LATE, and actually, TOO ANGRY, TOO STUPID, & TOO POLITICAL, to have the job of Fed Chair.”

Boasberg said remarks like these suggested a broader campaign of public pressure surrounding interest rate decisions and monetary policy.

The decision sets the stage for a likely appeals battle that could determine whether prosecutors can continue pursuing their inquiry into Powell and the Federal Reserve.