WASHINGTON, April 26, 2026 U.S. Senator Thom Tillis has withdrawn his opposition to former President Donald Trump's Federal Reserve nominee, Kevin Warsh, following the Department of Justice's decision to end its investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
Tillis Reverses Stance on Warsh Nomination
Senator Thom Tillis, who had previously opposed Kevin Warsh's nomination to the Federal Reserve, announced his support after the DOJ concluded its probe into Jerome Powell. Tillis had demanded the investigation's termination as a condition for backing Warsh.
"Die strafrechtlichen Ermittlungen der US-Staatsanwaltschaft gegen den Vorsitzenden Powell stellten eine ernsthafte Bedrohung für die Unabhängigkeit der Fed dar und mussten beendet werden, bevor ich die Bestätigung von Kevin Warsh unterstützen konnte," Tillis stated, emphasizing the need to preserve the Fed's independence. The DOJ's move to drop the investigation appears to have satisfied Tillis's conditions, clearing the path for Warsh's confirmation.
DOJ Closes Powell Investigation
The Department of Justice officially ended its inquiry into Jerome Powell, whose term as Fed Chair concludes on May 15. The investigation had been a point of contention, with critics arguing it undermined the central bank's autonomy.
Tillis's reversal marks a significant shift in the political landscape surrounding Warsh's nomination. With the DOJ's decision, one of the key hurdles to Warsh's confirmation has been removed. The timing is critical, as Powell's impending departure leaves a vacancy at the helm of the Federal Reserve.