Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has accused the Justice Department of initiating a grand jury investigation to exert pressure on the central bank, leading to bipartisan backlash against Trump's nomination plans for a new Fed chair [1]. Group 1: Political Reactions - Republican Senator Thom Tillis has publicly stated he will oppose any Fed nominees from Trump until the Justice Department investigation is fully resolved, indicating a significant obstacle to Trump's plans for reshaping the Fed [2]. - Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned Trump for abusing the law and called for the Senate to reject any Fed nominations from him, emphasizing the threat to the Fed's independence [1][2]. Group 2: Investigation Context - Powell's statement links the investigation, which ostensibly concerns his testimony about Fed headquarters renovations, to broader governmental threats and pressures, questioning the Fed's ability to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than political influence [1][3]. - The investigation has been characterized by Powell as a political pressure tactic rather than a standard legal procedure, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Fed and the current administration [3]. Group 3: Internal Republican Divisions - Tillis's opposition could lead to a stalemate in the Senate Banking Committee, which currently has a partisan split of 13 to 11, making it difficult for any controversial nominations to advance without 60 votes [2]. - Trump's recent actions have resulted in a series of Republican defections in Congress, indicating a growing divide within the party as he faces challenges from both sides [3].