Neel Kashkari Backs Fed Independence and Powell as DOJ Criminal Probe Unfolds

On January 14, 2026, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari stressed the importance of Federal Reserve independence while addressing a Department of Justice criminal investigation into Chair Jerome Powell and alleged Trump administration pressure on the central bank. Kashkari framed the administration's actions as a monetary policy issue, defended Powell, and noted that while political tensions could add to market volatility, there is no direct, specific impact on cryptocurrencies at this stage.