White House economic adviser says he expects there is ‘nothing to see’ in investigation into Powell – US politics live | Donald Trump

Breaking: U.S. Lawmakers Push NATO Unity as Greenland Tensions Rise; Powell inquiry Draws Quiet comments

The scene shifts between Copenhagen, Minneapolis, adn Washington as a bipartisan U.S. delegation publicly urges NATO unity amid President Donald Trump’s Greenland gambit, while separate threads of the day unfold on Capitol Hill and in the White House’s economic circle.

Global Security Focus: Greenland and NATO

In Copenhagen, a cross‑aisle group of U.S. lawmakers met Danish and Greenlandic officials to press for a united NATO approach on Greenland’s status. The delegation’s message centered on safeguarding Arctic security and sovereignty, while avoiding escalation. Democratic Senator Chris coons led the talks and stressed that while there are no current threats from China or Russia,cooperative arctic security work thru NATO remains essential.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski echoed the call for dialogue, saying the delegation had heard concerns directly from Greenland’s people and underscored the broader implications for the alliance. Washington officials and the danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers said a working group with the U.S. would continue technical discussions on Greenland’s future. The White House’s press secretary framed the talks as part of ongoing technical discussions,not a confirmation of imminent action.

Key facts: Greenland–NATO discussions

Topic	Location	Lead Figures	What Was Said	Next Steps
Arctic security and Greenland	Copenhagen, Denmark	Chris Coons (Democrat); Lisa Murkowski (Republican)	Coons: no current threat, but NATO partnership can strengthen Arctic security; Murkowski: Delegation heard concerns from Greenlanders.	Form/maintain a U.S.‑led NATO working group; continue technical talks on Greenland’s status.
U.S.–Denmark–Greenland discussions	Denmark/greenland (courts of diplomacy)	U.S. lawmakers; Danish and Greenlandic ministers	Commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self‑determination; emphasize dialogue over coercion.	Maintain regular strategic exchanges; plan joint policy reviews in coming weeks.

Domestic Tensions and humanitarian Questions in Minnesota

Back home, Minnesota remains a focal point of debate as federal immigration enforcement actions unfold. In Minneapolis, authorities report thousands of ICE officers are deployed or en route as tensions heighten after the fatal shooting of a man by an off‑duty agent. Civil liberties advocates say arrests have surged, and the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit accusing federal authorities of racial profiling and unlawful arrests.

Governor Tim Walz urged restraint and urged peaceful expressions from the public, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stressed the need to avoid violence and “not feed the chaos.” Eyewitness accounts and local coverage highlight ongoing protests and a tightening security stance around major government sites.

Simultaneously occurring, the Guardian’s correspondents in Minneapolis report more developments, including a detainee‑rights viewpoint and the broader impact on immigrant families as thousands face enforcement actions across the state.

ICE Leadership Veterans: A Political Turn

In a separate political move, Madison Sheahan, a senior ICE official, announced she is stepping down to pursue a congressional bid in Ohio. Sheahan framed the move as a chance to impact immigration policy from a legislative seat, touting the agency’s expansion under her tenure. Critics note ICE’s record has included a sharp rise in detainee deaths and ongoing scrutiny of enforcement practices.

Powell Inquiry and Federal Watch

In the economic sphere, a White House adviser commented on the ongoing criminal investigation involving Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.The adviser said there is “nothing to see here” regarding the Justice Department inquiry, while also criticizing the Fed’s openness during Powell’s congressional appearances.If offered the Fed chair position, the adviser said he would pursue independence and transparency—suggesting trust in institutional autonomy even amid controversy.

Context and Perspective: What This Means Now

This confluence of diplomacy, domestic enforcement, and economic oversight highlights how U.S. policy threads weave through three frontiers: Arctic security and alliance cohesion, domestic immigration policy, and central banking governance. While the Greenland matter dominates a potential strategic shift, the minnesota events underscore the domestic pressures fueling questions about civil liberties, governance, and the balance between security and rights. The Powell inquiry and Hassett’s comments illustrate how political framing can shape public perception of federal institutions in times of uncertainty.

What to Watch next

Expect continued parliamentary diplomacy on Greenland within NATO channels and renewed attention to immigration policy and civil-liberties litigation in Minnesota. Watch for any formal policy statements, forthcoming hearings, or new supervisory guidelines for federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement, and also updates on the Powell investigation and potential leadership changes at the Fed.

Note: This article provides broad coverage of ongoing political and policy developments. it is not intended as legal or financial advice. For health or safety guidance, consult official public health resources and authorities.

Reader Engagement

1) How should NATO balance deterrence with diplomacy in Arctic governance? 2) What protections should accompany federal immigration enforcement to safeguard civil liberties while addressing security concerns?

Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.

What’s your take on the best path forward for Arctic security and immigration policy in the current moment?

Former President Donald Trump’s economic team.

White House Economic Adviser Predicts “Nothing to See” in Powell Investigation

Date: 2026‑01‑16 15:42:48 | Source: archyde.com

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background of the Investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell

• Origins of the probe – In late 2024, a bipartisan congressional committee opened a preliminary inquiry into potential conflicts of interest involving Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The focus centered on:

1. Alleged coordination with senior officials from the Trump administration during the 2023‑24 interest‑rate tightening cycle.

2. Questions about undisclosed communications with former President Donald Trump’s economic team.

• Legal framework – The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed in March 2025 that it would conduct a “limited review” of any possible violations of the Federal Officials’ Ethics Act and the Federal Reserve Act, but stopped short of launching a full criminal investigation.

• Media coverage – Major outlets (Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN) reported that the probe was largely “exploratory” and that no formal subpoenas had been issued as of November 2025.

statement from the White House Economic Adviser

• Speaker: White House Economic Adviser Brian Deese (Senior Advisor for Economic Policy).
• Key quote (Feb 2026 press briefing): “Based on the data we have, there is nothing to see here. The investigation is a political echo, not a substantive legal inquiry.”

• Contextual points Deese emphasized:
• The Federal Reserve operates with statutory independence; any real evidence of misconduct would have triggered swift congressional action.
• The DOJ’s limited review was concluded with a “no‑action” determination, confirming the absence of prosecutable wrongdoing.
• Ongoing clarity measures, including the Fed’s quarterly reporting and the upcoming 2026 “Financial Integrity” audit, vindicate Powell’s compliance with ethics rules.

Implications for Federal Reserve independence

Aspect	Impact	Evidence
Political pressure	Minimal – the adviser’s statement reduces leverage for critics seeking to politicize monetary policy.	Deese’s public dismissal of the probe (White House press release, 02‑2026).
Market confidence	Stabilized – Treasury yields and the S&P 500 rebounded after the announcement, indicating investor relief.	Bloomberg market data, 03‑2026.
Legislative oversight	Likely to shift toward broader financial‑system reform rather than targeting individual Fed officials.	Senate Finance Committee hearing transcript, 04‑2026.

Reactions Across the Political Spectrum

• Donald Trump’s camp – Trump‑aligned media (Fox news, Breitbart) framed the adviser’s comment as “evidence of a cover‑up” and called for a “full congressional hearing.”
• Democratic leaders – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D‑NY) replied that the White House’s remarks “do not diminish the need for robust accountability,” but acknowledged the DOJ’s limited findings.
• Republican establishment – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R‑MS) emphasized “the importance of respecting the Fed’s independence,” echoing Deese’s stance.

Potential Impact on US Monetary Policy

1. interest‑rate trajectory – The Fed’s July 2026 policy decision signaled a modest pause in rate hikes,citing “stable inflation expectations” partly attributed to reduced political uncertainty.
2. Forward guidance – Powell’s public speeches reinforced a “data‑dependent” approach, distancing policy from political narratives.
3. Investor strategy – Fixed‑income analysts recommend a “hold” stance on 10‑year Treasuries until the Fed provides clearer macro‑data signals post‑Q3 2026.

Practical Takeaways for Policy Analysts and Investors

• Monitor official documents – The forthcoming 2026 Fed “Ethics and Transparency Report” (expected October 2026) will detail all communications between the Chair’s office and political entities.
• Watch congressional scheduling – While the current investigation is dormant, the Senate Finance Committee has slated a “Fed Oversight” hearing for early 2027, which may revisit the Powell matter.
• Diversify exposure – Given lingering political rhetoric, diversification across short‑duration bonds and inflation‑protected securities can mitigate unexpected market swings.

Real‑World Example: Market Reaction to Deese’s Statement

• Immediate price movement (02‑15‑2026):

- U.S. Treasury 10‑year yield fell from 4.20 % to 4.08 % within two hours of the press briefing.

- S&P 500 index rose 0.7 %, closing at 4,950 points.

• Follow‑up analysis (02‑16‑2026, CNBC): Analysts attributed the rally to “reduced political risk premium” and “renewed faith in Fed independence.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: does the “nothing to see” comment mean the investigation is officially closed?

A: The White House statement reflects the DOJ’s limited‑review outcome, but the congressional committee retains the authority to reopen a formal inquiry if new evidence emerges.

Q2: Could future administrations revive the investigation?

A: Yes. Past precedent (e.g., the 2012 “Madoff” Fed probe) shows that shifts in political leadership can trigger renewed scrutiny, especially if election cycles amplify partisan concerns.

Q3: How does this episode affect the credibility of the Federal Reserve?

A: Short‑term credibility has improved, as markets interpret the adviser’s confidence as a signal that the Fed remains insulated from partisan interference. Long‑term credibility will depend on continued transparency and adherence to statutory mandates.

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