The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a development that has sent ripples through political and financial circles. The probe reportedly centers on allegations that Powell misled Congress regarding the cost and scope of the Federal Reserve's headquarters renovation project. This unprecedented action marks the first time a sitting Fed chair has faced such a criminal inquiry. Powell himself has openly described the investigation as an "unprecedented action" and suggested it is a politically motivated attempt to undermine the Federal Reserve's independence. He explicitly stated that the threat of criminal charges stems from the Fed's decisions on interest rates, which are based on economic assessments rather than presidential preferences. This aligns with past tensions between Powell and former President Donald Trump, who frequently criticized the Fed chair for not lowering interest rates more aggressively and threatened his removal. While the NBC News headline suggests a return of a "Sell America" market, corroborating sources indicate a more nuanced market reaction. Some reports note a weakening US dollar and rising market barometers for interest rates, trends that run counter to the Trump administration's economic goals and suggest investor concern over political interference in monetary policy. However, other analyses point to a somewhat "muted response" from financial markets, indicating that while there is unease, a full-blown "Sell America" phenomenon may be an exaggeration at this initial stage. The incident has drawn strong criticism from economists and former central bank officials who warn of serious ramifications for the independence and stability of the US central bank.