U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert plans to resign after President Trump, under political pressure and amid investigations into NY AG Letitia James, reportedly sought his removal for refusing to charge her, highlighting ongoing political conflicts and concerns over judicial independence.
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged despite pressure from President Trump, with two board members dissenting in a rare move, citing a preference for a rate cut amid ongoing trade tensions and economic considerations.
Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley expressed offense at President Trump's public pressure to end the blue slip policy for judicial nominations, highlighting ongoing partisan debates over judicial appointment processes amid broader political tensions. Trump has been urging Grassley to change the policy, which allows home state senators to object to judicial nominees, but Grassley and other Senate leaders have shown resistance, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support and established procedures.
Amid political tensions and Trump’s pressure on Fed Chair Powell, the upcoming Fed meeting is seen as pivotal, though no rate change is expected. The meeting occurs against a backdrop of Trump’s attempts to influence Fed independence, with market reactions hinging on Powell’s signals about future rate cuts, especially with upcoming economic data and Powell’s potential future at the Fed.
The Federal Reserve issued a rare statement asserting its independence after President Trump pressured Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates, emphasizing that monetary policy decisions will be based solely on economic data and not political influence, despite Trump's public criticisms and threats.