Republican Sen. Thom Tillis says he will oppose Trump’s nominee for next chair Fed Until the government concludes its investigation into the current investigation.

Tillis, who has not shied away from clashing with the Trump administration and won’t seek re-election, announced he would block Kevin Warsh’s confirmation In X’s post Friday morning.

“Kevin Warsh is a qualified nominee with a deep understanding of monetary policy,” Tillis wrote. “Yet the Department of Justice continues its criminal investigation of Chairman Jerome Powell based on committee testimony that no reasonable person could view as having criminal intent.”

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Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he would oppose Trump’s selection of the next Federal Reserve chairman until the government concludes its investigation into Jerome Powell. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)

“I will oppose the confirmation of any Fed nominee, including for the chairmanship, until the Department of Justice’s investigation into Chairman Powell is fully and transparently resolved.”

Powell has served as Fed chairman since Trump nominated him in 2017. Under investigation by the Department of Justice For his management of the $2.5 billion renovation of the Federal Reserve headquarters and his sworn statement on the Senate floor regarding its construction.

this The Trump administration is investigating whether Powell intentionally misled lawmakers about the length and cost of the project.

Although investigation Although the investigation is not related to Powell’s duties as Fed chairman, a bipartisan group of lawmakers interpreted the investigation as a way for Trump to pressure Powell to lower interest rates.

President Donald Trump speaks during the launch of a program titled “The Trump Account” at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC, January 28, 2026 (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo)

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Trump has repeatedly called for such changes, but Powell has so far resisted, citing the agency’s need to protect its independent operations.

The Federal Reserve maintains U.S. financial stability by managing U.S. money supply and credit conditions control inflation and maximize employment — a mission that Powell said needs to be separate from the political goals of any particular administration.

Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., A top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee saw a clear connection between the Justice Department investigation and Trump’s dissatisfaction with Powell’s refusal to significantly cut interest rates.

“Look, there are a lot of federal buildings being built. Trump has no problem with how efficiently they’re being built. No one believed that, testifying before a Senate committee,” Sherman said earlier in January when the Justice Department announced the investigation.

“It’s just outrageous,” he added.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell arrives at the Federal Reserve in Washington on January 13, 2026. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

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At the time, Tillis similarly denounced the Justice Department investigation and promised Block any new nominations Fed chairmanship until the administration drops the investigation.

“Protecting the Fed’s independence from political interference or legal intimidation is non-negotiable. My position has not changed,” Tillis said.