Trump-aligned congresswoman refers Fed Chair Powell to DoJ for perjury
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Trump-allied Rep. Anna Paulina Luna refers Fed Chair Jerome Powell to the Justice Department, accusing him of perjury over false testimony on building costs.
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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., speaks during a hearing of the House Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Washington (AP)
US Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has formally requested that the Department of Justice pursue criminal charges against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for alleged perjury, Fox News reported Monday.
According to the report, Luna accused Powell of knowingly providing false testimony under oath on at least two occasions. The allegations stem from Powell’s statements regarding the condition and funding of the Federal Reserve’s Eccles Building in Washington, D.C.
In a letter cited by Fox News, Luna claimed Powell misrepresented the luxury features and maintenance status of the Eccles Building, misleading both Congress and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). She also alleged that Powell downplayed a significant $600 million cost increase related to the building’s renovation, calling it minor despite official documentation indicating otherwise.
Luna argued that Powell’s account was contradicted by the Fed’s final filing and by a letter from former OMB Director Russell Vought, raising serious concerns over the Fed Chair’s transparency.
Justice Department involvement sought
The Florida congresswoman is now urging the Justice Department to investigate the claims and determine whether Powell committed perjury, a federal offense. As of Monday, there has been no public comment from the Federal Reserve or the Department of Justice regarding the referral.
The development marks an escalation in tensions between Trump-aligned lawmakers and top officials in the Biden-era financial establishment. It also underscores growing scrutiny over the Federal Reserve’s fiscal oversight and transparency amid record federal expenditures.
In a related context, Trump expressed his desire for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to step down, while also acknowledging that many have warned about the potential market disruption if he, as president, were to take action to remove Powell from his position.
Trump made his remarks on Powell in an interview with the Real America's Voice network last week.
In the interview, Trump stated, "I'd love if he wants to resign, that would be up to him. They say it would disrupt the market if I did," while later reiterating his criticism regarding the costs of the renovation of the Fed's headquarters. Earlier, a Fed spokesperson had referenced Powell's consistent stance, noting that he has repeatedly stated his intention not to resign, even if asked.
Read more: US Congressman defends Fed independence amid Trump criticism
