In a surprising move, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the closure of a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, the governor of the Federal Reserve, which had been viewed as an attempt by President Donald Trump to exert pressure on the central bank. The inquiry focused on cost overruns at the Federal Reserve's headquarters and faced criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, now the U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C., stated that the investigation would be replaced by a review from the Inspector General of the Federal Reserve. Legal experts had expressed skepticism about the validity of the case against Powell, while some Republicans were uncomfortable with the investigation's implications for the Federal Reserve's independence. As Powell's term is set to end next month, Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh as his successor, though his confirmation is uncertain due to the prior investigation. Critics, including Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, argue that Trump's efforts to influence the Federal Reserve are ongoing.