A former Republican representative has publicly urged his party to oppose the actions of Donald Trump regarding recent economic decisions. Adam Kinzinger, who served as a U.S. House Representative for Illinois from 2011 to 2023, called for a rebellion within the party against what he views as Trump’s undue influence on the Federal Reserve. His comments follow news of an investigation initiated by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro into Jerome Powell, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
According to a report by The New York Times, the investigation into Powell was opened last November. Powell disclosed that he received a subpoena to testify before a grand jury regarding statements made during a Senate committee hearing in June 2022. He described the subpoena as an indication of “ongoing pressure” from the President to compromise the independence of the Federal Reserve.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Kinzinger expressed his concern about the implications of Trump’s actions. He stated, “This was only done for one reason, and one reason only. Donald Trump has been wanting Jerome Powell to cut interest rates.” Kinzinger emphasized that the Federal Reserve’s mandate is to stabilize the economy, not to cater to the President’s personal wishes.
Kinzinger further explained that lowering interest rates can exacerbate inflation. “When you cut interest rates, more money goes out into the economy, and if you have an inflation problem, inflation increases,” he said. He argued that the Federal Reserve is fulfilling its responsibilities by managing interest rates to prevent runaway inflation.
The former Congressman criticized Trump’s legal actions against the Federal Reserve, asserting that they stem from the institution’s refusal to act according to his demands. Kinzinger remarked, “This is utterly insane. It’s utterly unethical.” He called on Republican lawmakers to take a stand against Trump’s influence, arguing that they have a duty to represent their constituents rather than acquiescing to the former President’s desires.
Kinzinger stated, “As a member of Congress, your job is not to do what Donald Trump wants. Your job is to do what’s right.” He urged his fellow Republicans to seize this moment to uphold their integrity and morality, encouraging them to oppose Trump’s priorities in both the Senate and the House until there is a reversal of the current trajectory concerning the Federal Reserve.
In his appeal, Kinzinger highlighted the constitutional balance of power, asserting that Congress holds the same authority as the President. He emphasized that elected officials should not capitulate to the whims of any individual, regardless of their status.
With tensions within the Republican Party continuing to simmer, Kinzinger’s call to action presents a notable challenge to Trump’s influence and raises questions about the future direction of the party. As the political landscape evolves, the reactions of Republican lawmakers will likely play a crucial role in shaping the party’s stance on economic policy and presidential authority.
