‘RINO’ Senator Melts Down, Vows To Block Trump Nominees

A Senate Republican is once again stepping into President Donald Trump’s path, this time vowing to block any attempt to install a new Federal Reserve chair if Jerome Powell is pushed out.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said he will oppose any future nominee to lead the central bank after reports surfaced that Powell is under criminal investigation over testimony tied to renovations at the Federal Reserve.

“If there were any remaining doubt whether advisors within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none,” Tillis said on X. “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,” he added.

Tillis’ threat carries some leverage. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, he has a direct hand in vetting and advancing nominees to lead the Fed.

The timing could matter soon. Powell’s term as chair expires in May, though he is expected to remain on the Fed’s board of governors until 2028.

The North Carolina Republican has not been shy about challenging Trump. Just last week, Tillis said he would block all future Department of Homeland Security nominees until DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Photo: Gage Skidmore

A DHS spokesperson pushed back, telling Fox News Digital, “Secretary Noem testified on Capitol Hill less than a month ago and remains committed to transparency and continued engagement with Congress.”

“While the Department does not currently have any nominees pending before the Senate, we hope senators will refrain from holding President Trump’s appointments in a way that could compromise our national security,” the spokesperson said.

Tillis drew his latest red line after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia opened an investigation into Powell over testimony he gave before the Senate Banking Committee last June about renovations to the Fed’s Washington headquarters. Investigators are examining whether Powell misled lawmakers about the scope of the project.

The probe follows months of friction between Powell and Trump, who has repeatedly signaled he wants him out. The renovation itself has become a flashpoint, even though it is being paid for by the Federal Reserve, not taxpayers.

“This new threat is not about my testimony last June or about the renovation of the Federal Reserve buildings,” Powell said in a video statement.

“The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President,” he continued. “This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, blasted the investigation and accused Trump of trying to seize control of the central bank.

“Trump is abusing the authorities of the Department of Justice like a wannabe dictator, so the Fed serves his interests, along with his billionaire friends,” Warren said in a statement. “This Committee and the Senate should not move forward with any Trump nominee for the Fed, including Fed Chair.”

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% in December, its third straight reduction. Trump was unimpressed and demanded a steeper move.

Afterward, he made clear he wants a new chair who will slash rates far more aggressively.

“I’ll soon announce our next chairman of the Federal Reserve, someone who believes in lower interest rates, by a lot, and mortgage payments will be coming down even further,” Trump said.