PBS News Hour - Segments Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on pushback to Trump's threats to Federal Reserve
Jan 12, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Tamara Keith, an insightful NPR correspondent, joins forces with Amy Walter, the astute editor of the Cook Political Report. They delve into the nuances of Republican responses to Trump's interference with the Federal Reserve, highlighting limited GOP criticism and concerns surrounding Jerome Powell. The conversation also touches on partisan dynamics regarding military action in Venezuela and public sentiment following the ICE shooting in Minneapolis, revealing complex voter attitudes toward enforcement and accountability.
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Investigation Reflects Trump Pressure On Fed
- The DOJ opened an investigation into the Federal Reserve amid Trump's long-running pressure campaign on rates and Powell.
- Republicans' pushback is limited and mostly tepid despite concerns about the president's interference.
GOP Pushback Is Fragmented
- Some Republicans like Tom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski object, but most GOP leaders stay silent or supportive of the investigation.
- That limited dissent weakens any collective Republican resistance to Trump's actions on the Fed.
Use Confirmation Votes As Leverage
- Senators like Tom Tillis say they will withhold votes until the Fed investigation is resolved.
- Use procedural leverage to demand clarity before confirming administration nominees.