Morning Wire Evening Wire: Powell Under Investigation & Trump Cuts Off Cuba | 1.12.26
36 snips
Jan 12, 2026 Jerome Powell faces a DOJ investigation as he defends the independence of the Federal Reserve. President Trump takes a bold step by cutting off oil supplies to Cuba, intensifying geopolitical tensions. A U-Haul incident disrupts an anti-Iran protest in Los Angeles, leading to multiple arrests. Discussions also touch on potential U.S. actions against Iran and the Supreme Court's upcoming review of transgender athletes in sports. In lighter news, the podcast humorously addresses its snub at the Golden Globes for Best Podcast.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Investigation Raises Fed Independence Concerns
- The DOJ opened a criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell over overspending on Fed building renovations.
- Powell called the probe an unprecedented threat to Fed independence and accused the Trump administration of political pressure.
U.S. Cuts Cuba's Venezuelan Lifeline
- President Trump announced Cuba would get no more Venezuelan oil or money amid U.S. actions against Maduro.
- The move intensifies Cuba's energy crisis and raises stakes in U.S.-Cuba relations.
U.S. Weighs Strong Responses To Iran
- The U.S. is considering cyber operations, sanctions, and military strikes in response to Iran's repression.
- Officials warned of "very strong options" including striking if American troops are targeted.