Senators Elizabeth Warren and Dick Durbin have written to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, requesting an explanation for her public statement that she could reopen a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The letter, dated April 24, 2026, asks the prosecutor to clarify the legal basis for her remarks, which were made during a recent interview and interpreted by legal experts as suggesting potential political interference in the Federal Reserve’s independence. The senators emphasized that any investigation into the Fed chair must be grounded in credible evidence of criminal conduct, not policy disagreements.
The request comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Justice Department’s handling of high-profile cases, including ongoing reviews related to former administration officials and financial regulators. Warren and Durbin, both members of the Senate Banking Committee, noted that the Federal Reserve’s statutory independence is a cornerstone of U.S. Economic stability and that any perceived politicization of its leadership undermines public trust.
The U.S. Attorney’s office has not yet responded to the letter. Spokespersons for the Department of Justice declined to comment on the matter, citing longstanding policy against discussing pending or potential investigations.
Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was questioned about Pope Leo XIV’s recent condemnation of the war in Iran and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ assertion that the conflict does not meet the criteria for a “just war” under Catholic doctrine. Hegseth responded that the pope was “going to do his thing,” adding that the Department of Defense follows the president’s orders and relies on legal advisors to ensure actions are constitutionally and legally sound.
The Defense Department has not issued any further clarification on Hegseth’s remarks. The Vatican has not responded to requests for comment on the secretary’s characterization of the pope’s statement.
No additional legal actions or official responses have been announced by either the Justice Department or the Department of Defense regarding these matters as of the time of writing.
