US House Republican Files Criminal Complaint Against Fed Chair Powell for Alleged Perjury

Anna Paulina Luna, a close associate of US President Donald Trump and a Republican member of the US House of Representatives from the State of Florida, has filed a criminal complaint against Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve (Fed), with the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The charge is perjury, alleging that Powell gave false testimony before Congress.

According to Fox News on the 21st (local time), Representative Luna claimed that during a June 25 hearing of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Powell made two false statements regarding the renovation of the Eccles building, which serves as the Fed headquarters.

Luna stated, "Chairman Powell explained that the increase in renovation costs for the Fed headquarters from $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion was due to 'minor modifications,'" and added, "A congressional investigation revealed that luxury facilities such as upscale dining, marble finishes, and rooftop gardens were included."

She also pointed out that Powell’s assertion in an official document that these changes were 'measures to simplify construction and prevent delays' conflicted with materials actually submitted by the Fed.

Representative Luna emphasized that such statements constitute perjury, which can be punished by up to five years in prison. This complaint comes amid calls from conservatives for Powell's removal from office before his term ends.

Meanwhile, Chairman Powell has denied all allegations and has officially requested an audit of the Eccles building renovation costs.

The Federal Reserve is currently publishing video explanations and overviews of the project on its website.