Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently affirmed that he currently has no plans to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, even as Powell faces a Justice Department criminal investigation. Trump made these remarks in an interview, stating, 'I don't have any plan to do that' when questioned about potentially ousting the Fed chief. However, he added that it was 'too early' to definitively say what his ultimate decision would be. This statement comes amidst reports that the Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into Powell regarding alleged cost overruns and oversight of a $2.5 billion renovation project at the Federal Reserve's headquarters. Powell, who disclosed the investigation, has denied wrongdoing and suggested the actions are a pretext to pressure him over interest rates. Despite his claim of no immediate removal plans, Trump continued his long-standing criticism of Powell's monetary policy decisions, frequently referring to him as 'Too Late Powell' and asserting his own superior understanding of business and interest rates. Trump has consistently advocated for lower interest rates, often expressing frustration that Powell has not moved quickly enough to cut them, claiming it has cost the U.S. economy a 'fortune'. He has also reportedly considered potential successors, including former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett. This ongoing tension highlights the broader debate over the Federal Reserve's independence from political influence, a critical aspect of economic stability.