Tillis tells Trump: 'Don't weaponize Justice Department

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 01.22.26

In 2024, Trump said, “This election is about saving our economy.” Today, 68% of Americans say Trump’s economy stinks, according to an AP-NORC poll. At 31%, Trump’s economic approval rating is the lowest it’s ever been.

Trump needs a scapegoat. He settled on the Federal Reserve Board (Fed), which sets interest rates. Trump hopes lower rates will boost his dismal ratings. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell thinks lowering rates too quickly will boost inflation.

Trump called Powell — whom Trump appointed — “a TOTAL LOSER.” Trump said, “I’d love to fire [him],” but is frustrated because he can’t. The Fed was established by Congress as an independent board to ensure that interest rates are set by economists, not politicians.

So, in an attempt to pressure Powell into resigning, Trump’s Justice Department launched a criminal investigation of Powell on trumped-up charges of lying to Congress. Powell refused to leave and publicly criticized Trump’s attempt to dictate interest rates through “political pressure” and “intimidation.”

Stock markets tanked because the Fed’s independence is critical to investor confidence. Trump’s Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, gave Trump an earful, explaining that the investigation “made a mess” that destabilized financial markets.

Republican senators John Kennedy (R-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) criticized Trump’s political attack on the Fed’s independence.

Tillis said, “If there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none. It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question. I will oppose the confirmation of any nominee for the Fed — including the upcoming Fed Chair vacancy — until this legal matter is fully resolved.”

Trump has weaponized the Justice Department to bully anyone who opposes him — even his own appointees. Congress, the courts, and voters in November must stop Trump’s abuse of power.

Kristine Garrity

Calabash