Republican Tillis blocks Trump's Fed takeover to protect central bank independence
Tillis uses DOJ investigation as leverage to stop Trump's Fed control
Tillis uses DOJ investigation as leverage to stop Trump's Fed control
President Trump nominated Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair on Jan. 30, 2026
Warsh served on the Fed's board from 2006 to 2011, becoming the youngest governor in history at age 35
He currently works as a fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution If confirmed, he would replace Jerome Powell when Powell's term expires in May 2026.
Essential concepts and terms to understand this topic
Government cannot punish expression except for narrow exceptions like threats and incitement.
The constitutional division of war-making power between Congress and the President.
The President's role as the highest-ranking military officer, making the President a civilian authority over the armed forces.
The Constitution divides authority over military force between Congress (which declares war and funds troops) and the president (who commands forces as commander in chief).
Senator elected to preside when Vice President is absent
How constitutional powers shift between Congress and the President during wartime and peacetime.
Trump's nominee for Fed chair, former Fed governor (2006-2011)
Youngest-ever Fed governor at 35, currently at Stanford's Hoover Institution
Senate Banking Committee member (R-NC)
Blocking all Fed nominees until Powell probe ends, retiring when his term ends
Current Fed chair whose term expires May 2026
Under DOJ criminal investigation over building renovation testimony
Senator (R-AK)
Joined Tillis in opposing Fed nominees, called probe 'an attempt at coercion'

Senate Majority Leader (R-SD)
Acknowledged Warsh 'probably' cannot win confirmation without Tillis

Representative (R-FL)
Referred Powell to DOJ for potential perjury over renovation testimony
Demand Congress protect Federal Reserve independence after DOJ opened criminal investigation of Powell over $2.5 billion headquarters renovation
civic action
Ask your senators whether they support DOJ investigating the Fed chair over building cost overruns.
Track Fed confirmation hearings
learning more
Watch Senate Banking Committee hearings on Warsh's nomination to see how senators question nominees about Fed independence.
Understand how interest rates affect you
learning more
The Fed sets the federal funds rate, which influences mortgage rates, car loans, credit cards, and savings account yields. Learn how Fed decisions impact your finances.