Senator Tillis Maintains Block on Kevin Warsh Nomination After Meeting Fed Chair Pick

Tillis Blocks Warsh Nomination Over Powell Probe·March 10 – March 20, 2026

1 month ago

Senator Tillis Maintains Block on Kevin Warsh Nomination After Meeting Fed Chair Pick

Senator Thom Tillis continues to block the confirmation of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve following a private meeting between the two men on March 10. Tillis has refused to lift his hold despite pressure from the administration. The senator's opposition centers on a Justice Department investigation into current Chair Jerome Powell. This standoff comes as President Trump insists that Powell must leave and Warsh must be confirmed to reform the central bank. The ongoing legal dispute over the Powell investigation may complicate the transition. While Trump has suggested the DOJ probe should continue to hold Powell accountable, some legal experts warn the investigation could backfire. The probe might provide a legal basis for Powell to remain in office past the May 15 deadline. This creates a situation where the attempt to remove Powell actually keeps him in his seat while Warsh's nomination remains stalled in the Senate as time runs out.

Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve meets GOP senator holding up his confirmationThom Tillis refuses to budge on blocking Fed chair pick Kevin Warsh confirmationTrump digs in on Powell, suggesting DOJ probe should continue

Key Statements

CCNBC

“Senator Thom Tillis maintains his blockade of Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh, refusing to support any Fed nominees until a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell is initiated.”

Confirms the specific condition Tillis has set for allowing the nomination to proceed.

PPOLITICO

“a judge labels the investigation a pretext for interest rate pressure.”

Explains the legal controversy surrounding the probe that is causing the nomination delay.

News

Powell's decision on Fed board seat could shape Warsh's leadership

ReutersCenter

Justice Department probe of Powell could backfire on Trump and keep Fed chair in office

PBS.orgCenter Left

Trump digs in on Powell, suggesting DOJ probe should continue

POLITICOCenter Left

Opinion | Time to Give Up the Jerome Powell Case

The Wall Street JournalCenter

Time is running out on the Fed, Trump administration's game of chicken

AxiosCenter

Thom Tillis refuses to budge on blocking Fed chair pick Kevin Warsh confirmation

CNBCCenter

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.