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Legal Af
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Trump HAIL MARY DESTROYS Him INSTANTLY

Posted

January 17, 2026

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Brian Kabateck and Shant Karnikian examine the Trump administration's criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over the Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation. The DOJ served grand jury subpoenas Friday alleging Powell misled Congress about the project in his June 2025 testimony. The renovation of century-old buildings increased from $1.9 billion to $2.46 billion—a 30% increase for critical needs like asbestos abatement and ADA compliance. Brian points out construction projects routinely exceed budgets, including Trump's own White House ballroom that doubled from $200 million to $400 million in six months—a 100% increase. The hosts detail Trump's construction failures: the Trump Taj Mahal cost $1.2 billion and filed for bankruptcy within a year, leaving over 100 contractors unpaid; Trump Tower Baku, Trump SoHo, and multiple other projects collapsed. Powell issued a rare video statement calling the investigation "unprecedented" and stating 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." Shant explains Trump's real goal: artificially lowering interest rates before midterms for a temporary economic boost, despite long-term inflation risks. Powell, who has served under four presidents, refuses to compromise Fed independence. Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced he'll oppose any Trump Fed nominees until the matter is resolved. The investigation follows failed attempts to prosecute Letitia James, Lisa Cook, and James Comey, threatening Fed independence and potentially undermining the global economy.

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Guests & Subjects Covered

Subscribe Brian KabateckShant KarnikianThe DOJWhite HouseTrump Taj MahalFederal ReservePresident ShantRepublican Senator Thom Tillis

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