WASHINGTON, DC — Following the Department of Justice’s grand jury subpoenas and threats of criminal indictment against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the Not Above the Law coalition’s co-chairs – Lisa Gilbert, Co-President of Public Citizen; Praveen Fernandes, Vice President of the Constitutional Accountability Center; Kelsey Herbert, Campaign Director at MoveOn; and Brett Edkins, Managing Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Stand Up America – released the following statement:
“The Trump administration is weaponizing the Department of Justice to intimidate an independent institution that refuses to bow to presidential pressure. Trump’s motives couldn’t be clearer: punish Powell for making monetary policy decisions based on economic data rather than Trump’s personal demands. This isn’t law enforcement; it’s authoritarian intimidation masquerading as accountability.
“Whether targeting federal judges, members of Congress, civil society organizations, or now the chair of the Federal Reserve, Trump weaponizes the full force of government against anyone who won’t submit to his will. Undermining the Federal Reserve threatens Americans’ jobs and savings, and our nation’s economy.
“Members of Congress from both parties are already speaking out against this abuse of power – now others must join them.”
For questions about our work to hold Trump accountable or to request an interview with a Not Above the Law coalition leader, please email press@focalpointstrategygroup.com.