内幕观察：特朗普政府司法部展开刑事调查后，鲍威尔低调接触各方 | 福克斯新闻

INSIDE LOOK: Powell’s discreet outreach after Trump’s DOJ opened a criminal probe | Fox News

[Federal Reserve]
Powell’s behind-the-scenes move after Trump’s DOJ opened its criminal probe
===========================================================================

Powell’s calendar shows outreach to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers after criminal probe disclosure

---

By [Amanda Macias][Fox News]

Published [March 12, 2026 9:15am EDT]

• [Facebook]
• [Twitter]
• [Threads]
• [Flipboard]
• [Comments]
• [Print]
• [Email]
• [Add Fox News on Google]

[][close]

[Fed Chair Powell addresses DOJ criminal investigation]

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell confirmed the central bank had been served by the Justice Department in connection with allegations related to congressional testimony on the renovation of the bank’s headquarters.(Credit: Federal Reserve)

NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

Listen to this article

4 min

[]

Federal Reserve Chair [Jerome Powell] moved quickly behind the scenes after the Justice Department opened a criminal probe into his statements to Congress, with his calendar showing a burst of outreach to U.S. lawmakers.

The entries don’t reveal what was discussed, but they show Powell made 13 calls to senators and House members shortly after he accused the DOJ of using subpoenas as a “pretext” to ramp up pressure on the central bank to cut rates. The rapid-fire calls ranged from 10 to 15 minutes each.

The Fed releases Powell’s monthly schedule with about a two-month lag, which is why the scope of that outreach is only now coming into view.

[Image 44: placeholder]

[TRUMP’S PICK TO LEAD THE FEDERAL RESERVE MEETS GOP SENATOR HOLDING UP HIS CONFIRMATION]

![Image 45: A portion of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s schedule from January 2026.]

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s calendar showing some of his phone calls with members of Congress.(Federal Reserve/Amanda Macias/Fox News Digital)

Powell’s calendar lists calls with Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Shelley Moore Capito, R-W. Va.; Mark Warner, D-Va.; Bill Cassidy, R-La.; John Kennedy, R-La.; Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; James Lankford, R-Okla.; and Tim Scott, R-S.C., as well as Reps. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio; Maxine Waters, D-Calif.; Steny Hoyer, D-Md.; and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

Powell’s schedule also lists a breakfast meeting with Treasury Secretary [Scott Bessent] on Jan. 15, four days after the investigation was disclosed.

Working Capitol Hill has long been central to Powell’s playbook, with the Fed chair regularly logging more one-on-one time with lawmakers than any modern predecessor.

[DOJ’S CRIMINAL PROBE OF FED CHAIR POWELL SPARKS RARE GOP REVOLT ON CAPITOL HILL]

![Image 46: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell attends a conference in Washington, DC.]

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell held phone calls with lawmakers in the days after the Justice Department announced its probe.(Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Still, the week of Jan. 11 stood out even for Powell. The last time he reached more lawmakers in a single week was February 2025, ahead of his semiannual testimony, when he typically schedules a run of prehearing calls with key members.

This burst was different, though it followed Powell’s Jan. 11 disclosure that the Justice Department had opened a criminal investigation tied to his congressional testimony on the [Federal Reserve’s] two historic main buildings on the National Mall.

[Image 47: placeholder]

Powell, in a rare video statement, called the probe “unprecedented” and described it as another salvo in what he described as President [Donald Trump’s] pressure campaign on the central bank to cut rates. The unusually public response followed days of private consultations with advisors and stood out for a Fed chair known for a measured approach.

The investigation centers on Powell’s June 2025 testimony to lawmakers, an unusual development for a sitting Fed chair.

[TRUMP VS THE FEDERAL RESERVE: HOW THE CLASH REACHED UNCHARTED TERRITORY]

![Image 48: The atrium of the Federal Reserve building under construction.]

The grand atrium of the Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve building is under construction on July 24, 2025.(Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Testifying before the Senate Banking Committee, Powell said: “There’s no new marble. There are no special elevators. They’re old elevators that have been there. There are no new water features. There are no beehives, and there’s no roof garden terraces.”

Powell added that no one “wants to do a major renovation of a historic building during their term in office,” and said cost overruns were driven in part by unexpected construction challenges and inflation.

The renovation is [estimated to cost $2.5 billion] and is being funded by the central bank itself, not by taxpayers.

The Fed is self-financing and does not rely on congressional appropriations to cover its operating expenses, which include employee salaries, facilities maintenance and the current renovation. Its primary income comes from interest earned on government securities and fees charged to financial institutions.

[Image 49: placeholder]

[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP]

![Image 50: President Donald Trump speaks to Fed Chair Jerome Powell at Federal Reserve construction site]

President Donald Trump nominated Powell to lead the Federal Reserve in 2017.(Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

Trump has repeatedly targeted the project, threatening legal action and mocking the renovation’s cost and design.

“They’re building a basement into the Potomac River. I could have told them. That’s very tough to do, and it doesn’t work, and it’s very expensive,” Trump said. “But they’re up to $4 billion, headed by this clown,” he added [in November,] referring to Powell.

Powell, a Trump nominee first tapped to lead the Fed in 2017, is expected to finish his term at the end of May. Trump has picked former Fed governor [Kevin Warsh] to replace Powell, but the nomination is effectively stuck after Sen. Thom Tillis vowed to block any Fed nominees while the DOJ probe remains open.

The Federal Reserve declined to comment on Powell’s calendar.

Amanda covers the intersection of business and politics for Fox News Digital.

Sponsored Stories You May Like

[]

[Learn More Patricia Heaton Looks Great at 67 — And She’s Finally Saying Why Gundry MD ![Image 53] Ad is Hidden Please tell us why you hid this ad? Inappropriate Misleading Misinformation Repetitive Irrelevant Distracting]

[Oregon Launches New Policy For “Senior Drivers” on Thursday Auto Savings ![Image 55] Ad is Hidden Please tell us why you hid this ad? Inappropriate Misleading Misinformation Repetitive Irrelevant Distracting]

[She Was Days Away From a $21,500 Facelift. Then She Found This luxeresearchlab.com ![Image 57] Ad is Hidden Please tell us why you hid this ad? Inappropriate Misleading Misinformation Repetitive Irrelevant Distracting]

[Why are people crazy for this wireless silk bra?LILYSILK ![Image 59] Ad is Hidden Please tell us why you hid this ad? Inappropriate Misleading Misinformation Repetitive Irrelevant Distracting]

[The “5-Second Scam” Draining Bank Accounts in The Dalles Consumer Defense Daily ![Image 61] Ad is Hidden Please tell us why you hid this ad? Inappropriate Misleading Misinformation Repetitive Irrelevant Distracting]

[Thousands of Timeshare Owners Are Finally Getting Out With Refunds ConsumerAdvisoryReport ![Image 63] Ad is Hidden Please tell us why you hid this ad? Inappropriate Misleading Misinformation Repetitive Irrelevant Distracting]

[]

More From Fox News

[Former FBI official warns of ‘very precarious time’ for Americans detained in Iran as strikes intensify Fox News]

[Obama appointee’s Chicago immigration order backfires after court says she went too far Politics]

[DAVID MARCUS: Sen Thune has no idea how mad the GOP base is at him Opinion]

[Israel expands campaign against Iran and Hezbollah, IDF spokesperson speaks out Fox News]

[Trace Gallagher: Mamdani is furious… at the protesters Fox News]

[Dem millennial embraces 78-year-old rival’s impeachment bids against Trump but cites key difference Politics]

More From Fox News

[Michigan man found guilty of killing wife whose body was discovered in fertilizer tank]

[Democrat rising star called out for ‘creepy’ comment about transgender children]

[Tom Cotton puts Biden on notice while demanding answers on draining of nation’s oil stockpile]

[Biden-appointed judge in the hot seat after DHS fires back at ‘false’ claims about ICE facility]

[Former DC police officer accused of sexually assaulting 10 women he met on dating apps, in person]

[Paraglider makes emergency landing on packed ski slope after spending hours in the air]

[REPS. FINE, SELF, HARRIS, Enough is enough: We’ll block the Senate until the SAVE Act passes]

[Family demands far-left prosecutor be ousted from office after sister killed by repeat offender]

[Virginia Dems send Spanberger bill that could let some repeat offenders out without secured bond, expert warns]

Related Topics

---

• [Federal Reserve]
• [Economy]
• [Scott Bessent]
• [Donald Trump]
• [Congress]
• [Politics]

More From Fox News

[Cowboys agree to trade with Packers for Pro Bowl defensive lineman: reports]

[Innovator ETFs CEO Bruce Bond breaks down buffer ETFs]

[NFJ’s Burns McKinney on why Microsoft is a buy right now]

[2026 NFL Free Agency Grades: Colts Re-sign Alec Pierce; Kenneth Walker to Chiefs]

[Pentagon identifies seventh solider killed in Iran operations]

[LARRY KUDLOW: Hormuz will not stop history]

More from Politics

[Clyburn, 85, bucks Democrat generational revolt with bid for 18th term in Congress]

16 mins ago

[Clyburn, 85, bucks Democrat generational revolt with bid for 18th term in Congress]

[ICE busts human smuggling ring that kidnapped family, sexually assaulted pregnant woman]

17 mins ago

[ICE busts human smuggling ring that kidnapped family, sexually assaulted pregnant woman]

[SCOOP: Democratic Virginia Gov Spanberger’s Republican cousin aims to flip key House seat red]

2 hours ago

[SCOOP: Democratic Virginia Gov Spanberger’s Republican cousin aims to flip key House seat red]

[US destroys aging Iranian warplanes, video shows]

2 hours ago

[US destroys aging Iranian warplanes, video shows]

Promoted

[Enjoy your favorite original podcasts without commercials with Fox News Podcasts+]

[Image 111: placeholder]

[Image 112: Fox News Politics]

Fox News Politics

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Arrives Weekdays

By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News [Privacy Policy] and [Terms of Use], and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.

Subscribe
Subscribed

Subscribe
You’ve successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

• #### [U.S.]

• [Blue City Crime]
• [Campus Radicals]
• [Border Crisis]
• [True Crime]

• #### [Politics]

• [Donald Trump]
• [Senate]
• [House]
• [Judiciary]
• [Foreign Policy]
• [Fox News Polls]
• [2025 Elections Coverage]

• #### [World]

• [U.N.]
• [Conflicts]
• [Terrorism]
• [Disasters]
• [Global Economy]
• [Environment]
• [Religion]
• [Scandals]

• #### [Opinion]

• #### [Media]

• [FOX Nation Coverage]

• #### [Entertainment]

• [Former Prince Andrew]
• [Sydney Sweeney]
• [Royal Families]
• [Country Music]

• #### [Sports]

• [NFL]
• [College Football]
• [MLB]
• [NASCAR]
• [INDYCAR]
• [NBA]
• [NHL]
• [Golf]
• [Tennis]
• [FIFA WORLD CUP 26]
• [UFC]
• [WWE]

• #### [Lifestyle]

• [Travel]
• [Food & Drink]
• [Faith]
• [Discovery]
• [Games & Quizzes]

• #### [Health]

• [Weight Loss]
• [Cancer]
• [Brain Health]
• [Sleep]
• [Heart Health]
• [Healthy Living]
• [Mental Health]
• [MAHA]

• #### [Deals]

• [Trending Deals]
• [Gift Guides]
• [Home Deals]
• [Kitchen Deals]
• [Tech and Electronic Deals]
• [Health and Fitness Deals]
• [Beauty and Fashion Deals]

• #### [FOX Business]

• [Personal Finance]
• [Economy]
• [Markets]
• [Watchlist]
• [Lifestyle]
• [Real Estate]
• [Tech]

• #### [Science & Tech]

• [Air & Space]
• [Security]
• [Innovation]
• [Video Games]
• [Military Tech]
• [Planet Earth]
• [Wild Nature]

• #### [Games]

• [Scattergories Daily]
• [5 Across the Letter Word Game]
• [Downwords]
• [Sudoku]
• [Word Swap]
• [Word Search]
• [Icon Match]
• [Daily Crossword Puzzle]
• [Mini Crossword Puzzle]

• #### [Watch Live]

• [FOX News Shows]
• [Programming Schedule]
• [On Air Personalities]
• [Full Episodes]
• [Show Clips]
• [News Clips]

• #### [About]

• [Contact Us]
• [Careers]
• [Fox Around the World]
• [Advertise With Us]
• [Media Relations]
• [Corporate Information]
• [Compliance]

• #### [Apps & Products]

• [FOX News Go]
• [FOX Weather]
• [FOX Nation]
• [FOX Noticias]
• [FOX News Shop]
• [FOX News Radio]
• [Outkick]
• [FOX News Newsletters]
• [FOX News Podcasts]
• [FOX One]

• #### [U.S.]

• [Blue City Crime]
• [Campus Radicals]
• [Border Crisis]
• [True Crime]

• #### [Politics]

• [Donald Trump]
• [Senate]
• [House]
• [Judiciary]
• [Foreign Policy]
• [Fox News Polls]
• [2025 Elections Coverage]

• #### [World]

• [U.N.]
• [Conflicts]
• [Terrorism]
• [Disasters]
• [Global Economy]
• [Environment]
• [Religion]
• [Scandals]

• #### [Opinion]

• #### [Media]

• [FOX Nation Coverage]

• #### [Entertainment]

• [Former Prince Andrew]
• [Sydney Sweeney]
• [Royal Families]
• [Country Music]

• #### [Sports]

• [NFL]
• [College Football]
• [MLB]
• [NASCAR]
• [INDYCAR]
• [NBA]
• [NHL]
• [Golf]
• [Tennis]
• [FIFA WORLD CUP 26]
• [UFC]
• [WWE]

• #### [Lifestyle]

• [Travel]
• [Food & Drink]
• [Faith]
• [Discovery]
• [Games & Quizzes]

• #### [Health]

• [Weight Loss]
• [Cancer]
• [Brain Health]
• [Sleep]
• [Heart Health]
• [Healthy Living]
• [Mental Health]
• [MAHA]

• #### [Deals]

• [Trending Deals]
• [Gift Guides]
• [Home Deals]
• [Kitchen Deals]
• [Tech and Electronic Deals]
• [Health and Fitness Deals]
• [Beauty and Fashion Deals]

• #### [FOX Business]

• [Personal Finance]
• [Economy]
• [Markets]
• [Watchlist]
• [Lifestyle]
• [Real Estate]
• [Tech]

• #### [Science & Tech]

• [Air & Space]
• [Security]
• [Innovation]
• [Video Games]
• [Military Tech]
• [Planet Earth]
• [Wild Nature]

• #### [Games]

• [Scattergories Daily]
• [5 Across the Letter Word Game]
• [Downwords]
• [Sudoku]
• [Word Swap]
• [Word Search]
• [Icon Match]
• [Daily Crossword Puzzle]
• [Mini Crossword Puzzle]

• #### [Watch Live]

• [FOX News Shows]
• [Programming Schedule]
• [On Air Personalities]
• [Full Episodes]
• [Show Clips]
• [News Clips]

• #### [About]

• [Contact Us]
• [Careers]
• [Fox Around the World]
• [Advertise With Us]
• [Media Relations]
• [Corporate Information]
• [Compliance]

• #### [Apps & Products]

• [FOX News Go]
• [FOX Weather]
• [FOX Nation]
• [FOX Noticias]
• [FOX News Shop]
• [FOX News Radio]
• [Outkick]
• [FOX News Newsletters]
• [FOX News Podcasts]
• [FOX One]

• [Facebook]
• [Twitter]
• [Instagram]
• [Youtube]
• [Flipboard]
• [LinkedIn]
• [Slack]
• [RSS]
• [Newsletters]
• [Spotify]
• [iHeartRadio]

[Fox News]

• [Terms of Use]
• [New Privacy Policy]
• [Your Privacy Choices]
• [Closed Caption Policy]
• [Help]
• [Contact Us]
• [Accessibility Statement]
• [News Sitemap]
• [Video Sitemap]

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by [Factset]. Powered and implemented by [FactSet Digital Solutions]. [Legal Statement]. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by [LSEG].

[Image 113: Close modal]

[Continue]

[Image 114]

[Image 115]

[Image 116]