Washington, D.C. — The unthinkable has officially happened. In a move rocking the foundations of global finance, federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. ⚖️🇺🇸

This historic escalation—never before seen in modern central banking—isn't just a headline; it is a direct challenge to the independence of the world's most powerful monetary institution.

💣 MARKETS REACT IN REAL TIME

The moment the news broke on Jan 11, prediction markets exploded as traders scrambled to price in a "Fed without Jerome."

📊 Polymarket: Odds of a federal indictment by June surge to 12%.

📊 Kalshi: The probability of Powell being out as Chair before May 2026 is seeing massive volatility as speculators bet on his early exit.

🔍 THE CORE OF THE PROBE

The Allegation: Prosecutors are investigating whether Powell made misleading statements to Congress regarding a $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed's D.C. headquarters.

The Subpoenas: Grand jury subpoenas were served to the Fed this past Friday, Jan 9.

Powell’s Defiance: In a blistering video statement, Powell called the probe a "pretext," claiming the threat of criminal charges is a direct consequence of the Fed refusing to lower interest rates at the President's preference.

📉 FINANCIAL FALLOUT

Gold & Silver: Prices have spiked to record highs as investors flee to safe-haven assets.

US Dollar: The Greenback is under pressure as the market questions the future of independent U.S. monetary policy.

Volatility: Expect extreme swings in $BTC and equities as this political "slugfest" intensifies.

This is a developing story with massive implications for the 2026 fiscal year. Will the Fed remain independent, or are we witnessing the beginning of a total institutional overhaul?

What do you think? Is this a necessary accountability check or a political play to seize control of interest rates? Let’s hear your take below! 👇🚀

#FedAlert #JeromePowell #MarketShock #CentralBankIndependence #FinanceNews