Rep. Stiles urges facts-first response to reported DOJ grand jury review of Fed chair, stresses Fed independence

Host Maria raised recent reporting that the Department of Justice had launched a grand jury review related to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and asked for Congressman Brian Stiles's reaction. "I don't obviously have all the information of the grand jury investigation," Stiles said, adding he had seen a statement from Powell but that more facts were needed.

Stiles said two priorities are at play: obtaining full facts about any DOJ action and preserving Federal Reserve independence. "We should have a Federal Reserve that is making rate decisions based on the information and the facts in front of them, not just as a result of direct political pressure," he said. He added that criticism of the Fed is legitimate but must be balanced with the need for the institution to operate without undue political influence.

The host referenced Sen. Tom Tillis's statement that he would oppose confirmations until the legal matter is resolved. Stiles said he was not in a position, based on the segment, to explain the Department of Justice's prosecutorial decisions and reiterated the need to learn more before drawing conclusions.

The transcript records Stiles acknowledging the reports and stressing institutional independence; it does not record new evidence about the DOJ action or specify next steps by relevant oversight bodies.