A former Republican representative has called for a revolt within the party against President Donald Trump’s recent economic strategies. Adam Kinzinger, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023, specifically criticized Trump’s influence over the Federal Reserve, urging party members to resist the ongoing investigations into its chair, Jerome Powell.
According to a report by The New York Times, U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, initiated an investigation into Powell last November. This inquiry followed a subpoena requiring Powell to testify before a grand jury regarding statements he made during a Senate committee hearing in June 2023. In response to the subpoena, Powell described the situation as “ongoing pressure” from Trump, aimed at undermining the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Kinzinger voiced his concerns in a video on his YouTube channel, emphasizing the need for Republicans to stand against the subpoena and Trump’s influence. He stated, “This was only done for one reason, and one reason only. Donald Trump has been wanting Jerome Powell to cut interest rates, and the Federal Reserve’s job is not to do what Trump wants; it is to stabilize the economy and ensure employment.”
He elaborated on the implications of lowering interest rates, explaining that such a move could exacerbate inflation. “When you cut interest rates, more money goes out into the economy, and if you have an inflation problem, inflation increases,” Kinzinger noted. He argued that the Federal Reserve is acting appropriately to prevent rapid inflation increases.
Kinzinger criticized Trump for taking legal action against the Federal Reserve due to its refusal to comply with his demands. He stated, “This is utterly insane. It’s utterly unethical.” He urged elected Republicans to reflect on their responsibilities, insisting that their duty lies in representing their constituents rather than yielding to Trump’s wishes.
“The vast majority of them have done nothing but bow and acquiesce to Donald Trump every day,” he remarked, reinforcing the idea that Congress should not simply defer to presidential authority. According to Kinzinger, each Republican now has an opportunity to uphold their integrity. He concluded with a strong call to action, stating, “You need to speak out and oppose this, and you need to make it clear that you will oppose every single one of Donald Trump’s priorities in the Senate or the House until they throttle back on this.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Kinzinger’s remarks may resonate with those within the Republican Party who are grappling with the implications of Trump’s economic policies and their alignment with traditional party values.
