Justice Department Probe Threatens Fed Independence Amid Geopolitical and Election Integrity Concerns

Key Quotes

"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. This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation."

Hannah Jewel explains that Jerome Powell views the Justice Department's criminal investigation as an attempt to undermine the Federal Reserve's independence. Powell argues that the investigation's true purpose is to pressure the Fed into making monetary policy decisions based on political will rather than economic data. This highlights a fundamental conflict between political influence and the operational integrity of a central bank.

"These are some of the largest anti-regime protests Iran has seen since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979. They began over economic grievances but have escalated into calls for regime change."

Hannah Jewel reports that the protests in Iran represent a significant challenge to the existing government, marking some of the largest demonstrations since the Islamic Republic's inception. Jewel notes that the movement's origins in economic dissatisfaction have broadened into a more fundamental demand for systemic political change. This indicates a deep-seated discontent with the current regime.

"Trump is using every tool he can find to try and influence the 2026 midterm elections and, if his party loses, sow doubt in their validity. His efforts include unprecedented demands that Republican state lawmakers redraw congressional districts, the prosecution of political opponents, and attempts to end the use of voting machines and mail ballots."

Hannah Jewel details President Trump's multifaceted strategy to impact the upcoming midterm elections. Jewel points out that Trump's actions extend beyond traditional campaigning to include efforts to manipulate electoral processes, such as redistricting and challenging voting methods. This suggests a proactive approach to securing favorable election outcomes and potentially contesting results.

"Some clinics are offering something called young plasma exchange. That's a therapy in which you replace your blood plasma with that of a young donor. These kinds of treatments don't tend to be backed up with reliable studies, and critics say anti-aging clinics can promote unsafe protocols and exaggerate the benefits of their treatments."

Hannah Jewel describes a specific treatment offered by longevity clinics, young plasma exchange, which involves substituting one's blood plasma with that from a younger individual. Jewel cautions that such therapies often lack robust scientific evidence and face criticism for potentially promoting risky practices and overstating their effectiveness. This points to a speculative and potentially unproven area within the longevity industry.

"Secretaries and administrative assistants, on the other hand, have been struggling. Beginning with the arrival of the personal computer in the early 1980s, the secretary's slump has quietly been one of the defining labor market trends of our lifetime."

Hannah Jewel identifies a significant decline in roles like secretaries and administrative assistants as a major labor market trend. Jewel attributes this shift to the widespread adoption of personal computers starting in the early 1980s. This illustrates how technological advancements can profoundly reshape employment landscapes over time.

"To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight, our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine. We belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter, and our dreams deserve space. Thank you so much, everybody."

Hannah Jewel shares a powerful acceptance speech from Tatiana Taylor at the Golden Globes. Taylor's words are directed towards women of color, affirming their inherent worth and right to occupy space and be heard. This quote emphasizes themes of self-acceptance and empowerment for marginalized groups.