What concerns are being raised about the Justice Department's investigation of the Federal Reserve?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. Former Treasury secretaries, economists, and central bankers are warning that the Justice Department's investigation of the Federal Reserve could backfire. NPR's Scott Horsley reports they say it could bring higher inflation and a weaker economy.
The group is speaking out after word the Justice Department served subpoenas on the Fed last week, seeking information about its costly headquarters renovation and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's testimony about it. Powell says the probe is part of a long-running pressure campaign by the Trump administration designed to intimidate the central bank and force it to adopt much lower interest rates.
The bipartisan group of economic officials warns that's how monetary policy is typically made in much less developed countries with weak institutions. They argue such tactics have no place in the United States, where the rule of law is a great source of strength and economic success. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.
President Trump says he's inclined to keep ExxonMobil out of Venezuela after its top executive was skeptical about investing in the country after the toppling of former President Nicolás Maduro. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods called the country uninvestable. Trump says he didn't like Exxon's response and that, quote, they're playing too cute.
President Trump says he may talk with Elon Musk about restoring Internet to Iran, where the authorities have cut off Internet access as they crack down on massive anti-government protests. NPR's John Ruich has more.
Among other things, Elon Musk is founder and owner of the aerospace company SpaceX, which runs Starlink. It has a constellation of thousands of satellites orbiting Earth that provide high-speed satellite internet in areas where traditional broadband doesn't exist. The protests in Iran began in late December over the collapse of the country's currency.
The demonstrations have spread and grown, but the government has been cracking down. According to rights groups, there have been thousands of arrests and hundreds of people killed in recent days. The authorities have also shut down the Internet, although there are reports that some people are able to access it using Starlink. John Rewich, NPR News.
A high-profile trial that could shape the future of abortion access in Missouri is now underway. St. Louis Public Radio's Sarah Fenton reports.
In 2024, Missouri voters approved an amendment enshrining abortion rights in the state's constitution. But while a judge has put some previous abortion restrictions on hold, others remain on the books. The lawsuit by Planned Parenthood seeks to fully overturn the state's abortion ban, as well as several Missouri laws providers say restrict access.
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