Jerome Powell uses award speech to warn against political pressure on Fed, courts and schools

By — Leah Willingham, Associated Press Leah Willingham, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/jerome-powell-uses-award-speech-to-warn-against-political-pressure-on-fed-courts-and-schools Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Jerome Powell uses award speech to warn against political pressure on Fed, courts and schools Politics Jun 1, 2026 10:26 AM EDT BOSTON (AP) — Former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell used one of his first major public appearances since leaving office to defend independent institutions while accepting an award Sunday honoring his efforts to preserve the central bank's independence. WATCH: Jerome Powell's impact and legacy at the Federal Reserve Speaking at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library overlooking Boston Harbor, Powell called universities, courts, Congress and the central bank "the foundation and the embodiment of our democracy" and argued that the Fed's independence was a "priceless asset" that must be protected. It was one of his most direct defenses of Fed independence, warning that a single administration's decision to remove bank officials over policy differences would open the way for future elected officials to follow suit, ultimately undermining the credibility that the Fed has spent decades building. Powell, who frequently clashed with Trump during his eight years as chair, stepped down as his term expired in May. He was succeeded by Kevin Warsh , whom Trump selected to lead the central bank. After stepping down as chair, Powell took the unusual step of keeping his seat on the Fed's governing board, which he has until January 2028. By doing so, he has deprived the Trump administration of an opportunity to appoint another member of the board. The Trump administration has also sought to fire Fed governor Lisa Cook , which would open an additional seat on the rate-setting committee the president could fill. Yet Cook sued and the courts have so far let her keep her seat. While Powell never mentioned Trump by name Sunday, he repeatedly returned to the importance of protecting institutions from political pressure and preserving public trust in their independence. "Like many other institutions, the Fed has been undergoing a stress test," he said. "Congress wisely chose to insulate monetary policy decisions from political pressure. All other advanced economy nations have done the same." Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Since 1989, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award has recognized public servants who make what the foundation describes as courageous decisions of conscience despite personal or professional consequences. Previous recipients include former Presidents Barack Obama and George H. W. Bush, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former Vice President Mike Pence. In March, the foundation said it was awarding Powell