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Jan 12, 2026 US Attorney's Office (DC) opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
A Trump-appointed prosecutor launched a probe into the Fed chair following Trump's repeated public attacks over interest rate policy, raising independence concerns.
Supporting reports
- DOJ opens criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell — The Trump administration's Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, rooted in his June 2025 Senate testimony about the Fed's headquarters renovation costs. Powell confirmed the subpoena on Sunday and characterized the investigation as part of a pressure campaign linked to the administration's frustration with the Fed's interest rate policy. Several Republican lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis, publicly opposed the investigation as an attack on Fed independence.
- DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve in Investigation — The Department of Justice has issued a subpoena to the Federal Reserve as part of an investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. This investigation is reportedly linked to Powell's testimony before the Senate regarding the costs of the Fed's headquarters renovation. The DOJ's actions have sparked criticism from several Republican lawmakers, who view the investigation as an attempt to undermine the Federal Reserve's independence. Powell has confirmed the subpoena and described the investigation as part of a broader pressure campaign by the Trump administration.
- US Attorney's office in DC opened criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — The US Attorney's office for the District of Columbia opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding the central bank's renovation of its Washington headquarters and whether Powell made false statements to Congress about the project's scope. The inquiry, approved in November by Jeanine Pirro (a Trump ally appointed to run the office), includes analysis of Powell's public statements and examination of spending records. Powell acknowledged receipt of grand jury subpoenas.
- DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."
Jan 12, 2026 DOJ investigated multiple Democratic senators and House members over a video urging troops to refuse illegal orders Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Federal prosecutors expanded scrutiny of lawmakers for protected political speech about military lawfulness, chilling legislative oversight of the executive.
Supporting reports
- Senator Slotkin said she is under federal investigation — Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said in an interview that federal prosecutors are investigating her for participating in a video with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
- DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."
- Federal investigation opened against Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin for video urging troops to refuse illegal orders — Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin announced she is under federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for her participation in a video released in 2025 in which she and five other Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds urged U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders. The video's message aligns with established military law and constitutional principle. President Trump called the video "seditious behavior by traitors" punishable by death; the White House later clarified he did not seek execution but wanted them "held accountable." Slotkin characterized the investigation as weaponization of federal government to intimidate political opponents.
- Senator Elissa Slotkin faces federal criminal investigation for oath video — Senator Elissa Slotkin is now under federal criminal investigation for appearing in a video urging service members to remember their oath and refuse illegal orders. The investigation represents potential criminalization of speech encouraging military personnel to uphold constitutional obligations and refuse unlawful commands.
- Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are under investigation — Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are being investigated by the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia over their participation in a viral video calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
- Trump DOJ investigates Democratic lawmakers over military video on illegal orders — Three House Democrats—Jason Crow (Colorado), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania)—confirmed that the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, requested interviews regarding their participation in a November video instructing troops they need not comply with illegal orders. The investigation expands to five lawmakers total; the Pentagon also formally censured Senator Mark Kelly and launched administrative proceedings. Trump called the video "seditious" and threatened capital punishment, later walking back but maintaining the lawmakers face "serious jeopardy."
Jan 11, 2026 Todd Lyons threatened a Minnesota sheriff over any attempt to arrest an ICE agent Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The ICE director publicly dared state law enforcement to arrest a federal agent, defying state jurisdiction over a fatal shooting.
Supporting reports
- ICE Director Todd Lyons threatened Minnesota sheriff over potential prosecution of agent Ross — ICE Director Todd Lyons appeared on Fox News and, when asked about the possibility of Minnesota state authorities prosecuting ICE agent Jonathan Ross for the fatal shooting of Renee Good, stated: "My message to the sheriff is: try and arrest my folks—let's see what happens." The statement constituted a direct threat against state law enforcement attempting to exercise jurisdiction over a federal agent.
Jan 10, 2026 Trump administration refused to allow Rep. Ilhan Omar an oversight visit to an ICE detention facility Corroborated Institutions and Governance
Administration officials blocked a member of Congress from inspecting a federal detention site, obstructing a core constitutional check on executive power.
Supporting reports
- Trump administration refused congressional oversight visit to ICE detention facility in Minneapolis — On January 10, the Trump administration denied Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar access to conduct an oversight visit at an ICE detention facility in Minneapolis. This denial came two days after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a new policy memo restricting congressional visits to such facilities. Omar stated the action was "a blatant attempt to obstruct members of Congress from doing their oversight duties."
Jan 10, 2026 ICE blocked three House members from entering a Minneapolis detention facility in defiance of a prior court ruling Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Federal agents ejected members of Congress from a detention facility despite a judge's ruling barring such denials, directly defying judicial authority.
Supporting reports
- ICE blocks three House members from detention facility visit despite prior judicial ruling — Three Democratic House members from Minnesota—Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison—were blocked from entering an ICE detention facility near Minneapolis on January 10, 2026, despite having notified the facility in advance. Although initially permitted entry, they were ejected approximately 10 minutes later. This action directly violated a federal judge's ruling from the previous month that the Trump administration cannot bar members of Congress from visiting immigrant detention facilities. Officials cited funding from the Big Beautiful Bill Act as justification for the denial.
- U.S. Representatives attempt entry to Minneapolis ICE facility — On the morning of Saturday, January 11, 2026, U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig attempted to enter a Minneapolis ICE facility. ICE unlawfully denied them entry, according to the representatives' subsequent accusations.
- Minnesota congressional delegation denied access to ICE detention facility — A contingent of Minnesota representatives, including Rep. Angie Craig, attempted to gain access to a local ICE detention facility and were turned away by a large group of ICE agents in full tactical gear. ICE officials told the representatives that because the facility was funded by the "Big Beautiful Bill" rather than the congressional appropriations act, they would not be allowed to enter. When Craig informed them they were violating the law, ICE officials responded that "they didn't care."