CITY, State (Fox News) — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., of holding America “hostage” over President Donald Trump’s pick to chair the Federal Reserve.

## Key Facts:
– Leavitt criticized Tillis for opposing Trump’s nominee, Kevin Warsh, due to an ongoing DOJ probe of current Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
– Tillis insists on resolving the investigation before confirming any Fed nominee, despite Warsh’s qualifications.
– The DOJ investigation into Powell centers on a renovation project at the Fed’s headquarters.
– Lawmakers view the probe as an attempt by Trump to influence Powell to lower interest rates, which Powell has resisted.

## Conclusion:
Despite the investigation, Powell maintains the Fed’s independence from political interference in fulfilling its mission to stabilize the U.S. financial system.

Fox News’ Leo Briceno contributed to this report.