Tillis doubles down on blockade
U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) speaks to reporters as he arrives at the Republican Senate meeting at the U.S. Capitol on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images
Sen. Thom Tillis on Wednesday recommitted to blocking Kevin Warsh’s nomination to lead the Federal Reserve until the Justice Department ends its investigation of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.
Tillis, R-N.C., said in an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that he’s “willing to let it continue for the rest of this Congress if it’s necessary to get to the truth or get back to a process that makes sense and keeps the Fed independent.”
“If we are behind this and supporting him, I would be one of the first to introduce Mr. Warsh, but not before this matter is resolved,” Tillis said.
The Justice Department last month opened an investigation into Powell regarding alleged cost overruns for renovations at the Federal Reserve headquarters. The Justice Department is separately investigating Fed Chair Lisa Cook over alleged mortgage fraud.
Tillis, who will retire at the end of his term next January, also said he would continue his bloc even if the Justice Department agreed to drop the investigation in exchange for Powell leaving the Fed after his term as president. It is stated that Powell can remain on the board as governor for two years.
“The only way out of this, in my opinion, for the next 333 days in Congress is to slow it down or settle it,” Tillis said. “I know how I would react to this, I would be there for the remaining two years.”
“They got in the way of obstructionists. They didn’t consult the adults in the room when they decided to issue the subpoena,” Tillis said.
