'Non-negotiable' Trump Fed chair pick draws instant pushback from GOP senator

President Donald Trump confirmed Kevin Warsh as his pick early Friday morning to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell – who his administration has targeted with a criminal probe – but was immediately hit with fierce pushback from one GOP senator who vowed to block Warsh’s confirmation.

“Kevin Warsh is a qualified nominee with a deep understanding of monetary policy,” wrote Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) in a statement Friday on social media.

“However, the Department of Justice continues to pursue a criminal investigation into Chairman Jerome Powell based on committee testimony that no reasonable person could construe as possessing criminal intent. Protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve from political interference or legal intimidation is non-negotiable.”

Powell has been a target of Trump throughout his second term, largely over his refusal to lower interest rates to his liking. Things escalated when earlier this month, it was revealed that the DOJ had launched a criminal investigation in Powell over allegations that he lied about the scope of renovations at the Federal Reserve headquarters.

Until that legal matter is settled, Tillis vowed, he would work to block Warsh’s confirmation as the new Federal Reserve chair.

“My position has not changed: I will oppose the confirmation of any Federal Reserve nominee, including for the position of Chairman, until the DOJ’s inquiry into Chairman Powell is fully and transparently resolved,” Tillis wrote.

Powell has not been the only target for Trump at the Federal Reserve. Last August, Trump announced over social media that he had terminated Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over unproven allegations of mortgage fraud, allegations that Cook has fiercely denied. Cook also remains on the Federal Reserve, as she vowed to continue her tenure in spite of Trump’s announcement.