DOJ investigation could push Powell to hold on to his seat at Fed

Published January 15, 2026 7:00am ET



The Justice Department’s investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell could embolden him to remain on the central bank’s board after his chairmanship ends.

Powell’s term as chairman is up in May, but his term on the Fed Board of Governors doesn’t end until 2028. Traditionally, Fed chairs retire from the board after their term is up, allowing the president to fill the vacancy.

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