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Trump Shouts and Pirro Obeys: Justice in the Service of the Tyrant

Jacques Pj Provost

2026-06-20 23:21:39

A Chain Reaction Within the Administration

The emergence of the criminal investigation earlier this week surprised and dismayed senior government officials. At the White House, officials scrambled to calm the markets and reassure lawmakers, trying to distance themselves from the investigation led by Pirro. Trump denied any knowledge of the investigation during an interview with NBC News on Sunday, stating, “I don’t know anything about that, but he’s really not very good at the Fed, and he’s not very good at building buildings.” This plausible deniability falls apart when one examines the context and timeline.

Even Trump’s Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has expressed frustration with this move. Several Republican senators have also criticized the investigation, and one of them, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, has vowed to withhold his vote for any candidate to replace Powell as long as the investigation remains open. “Until this matter is resolved, I will not consider anyone,” Tillis said on Tuesday. “I wouldn’t even consider my own mother for the position under the current circumstances.” This bipartisan resistance is rare in the Trump era and speaks to the magnitude of the strategic blunder committed by Pirro and her allies.

It’s almost comical to see how this operation has backfired. Trump wanted to make an example of Powell, but he’s the one who ends up looking desperate and amateurish. Even Republicans are turning away from this farce. Tillis saying he wouldn’t vote for his own mother! That’s the kind of detail that makes the absurdity of the situation tangible. The financial markets—those entities so sensitive to stability—aren’t fooled. They know that when you attack the Federal Reserve’s independence, you’re attacking the very foundations of the U.S. economy. And all because Trump was frustrated by prosecutors who were too slow for his liking.

Pirro’s Strategy in the Face of the Outcry

Pirro stated on Monday that her office had previously attempted to contact the Fed and had been ignored, necessitating the use of legal proceedings—which is not a threat. Her office did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. But during an appearance on Fox News Tuesday evening, Pirro called Powell’s response a “crazy video” and defended her decision to open the investigation. “We’re talking about a billion dollars in cost overruns in Washington and something that falls squarely within my jurisdiction as a U.S. attorney to investigate,” she said, arguing that the subpoena was necessary to get a response from Powell to her request for an investigation.

“If the Fed had responded,” she said, “I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.” This justification ignores the fact that Pirro did not consult her superiors before launching an investigation of this magnitude. Furthermore, the emails sent by her office to Federal Reserve staff in December made no explicit mention of a criminal investigation or the possibility of issuing a subpoena regarding the Fed’s renovation or Powell’s testimony on the matter. The rapid escalation toward a subpoena has alarmed Trump’s advisers and allies, who have questioned both the wisdom of pursuing the criminal investigation and the likelihood that prosecutors will find substantial evidence of wrongdoing.

Pirro plays the role of the tough, impartial prosecutor, but no one is fooled. Her justification is as hollow as her commitment to justice. She talks about cost overruns as if she were motivated by a sudden sense of fiscal virtue. It’s laughable. This woman, who has spent years ranting on Fox News, turning every minor incident into a capital crime against America, is suddenly concerned about cost overruns? It’s as if an arsonist became a firefighter and claimed to be motivated by public safety. The truth is much simpler: she wants to please Trump. She wants his approval. She wants his power. And she’s willing to sacrifice the Federal Reserve’s independence to get it.

Section 3: The Investigation into Slotkin, the Systematic Intimidation of Opponents

A Video That Bothered the President

Pirro didn’t just target Jerome Powell. She also launched an investigation into Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, a former CIA analyst, and a veteran of three tours of duty in Iraq. Slotkin was one of six Democratic military veterans featured in a November video urging military personnel not to follow illegal orders. Trump had called the lawmakers’ actions seditious at the time and said they should face prosecution. Slotkin confirmed Wednesday that she is under federal investigation for her participation in that video.

In a video response to the investigation, the Michigan Democrat said that President Donald Trump is weaponizing the federal government against those who disagree with him. Slotkin is the latest participant in the video to be targeted by the administration. “To be clear, this is the president’s playbook,” Slotkin said. The truth doesn’t matter. The facts don’t matter, and anyone who disagrees with him becomes an enemy, and he then uses the federal government against them. It’s legal intimidation and physical intimidation intended to silence you. These words resonate with a brutal truth about Trump’s methods.

When I listen to Slotkin, I sense that authenticity that comes from those who have truly served their country. She was in Iraq; she risked her life; she knows the value of commitment and duty. And now she finds herself in the Trump administration’s crosshairs because she reminded soldiers of their obligation to disobey illegal orders. This is the very definition of civic duty, and it is being criminalized by a president who sees himself as above the law. The irony is almost poetic if it weren’t so terrifying. Trump, who avoided military service, is persecuting those who did serve.

The Personal Consequences for Slotkin

Slotkin recounted that after Trump’s response to the November video, threats against her and her family skyrocketed. “We’ve received more than 1,000 threats. More than 100 were credible and are under investigation,” she said. I’ve been under 24/7 protection by the Capitol Police. I received a bomb threat at my home. My parents were victims of swatting in the middle of the night, and my siblings had police cars stationed in their driveways—and now Trump is using his political appointees at the FBI and the Department of Justice to carry out his threats.

These graphic details illustrate the real cost of political opposition in the Trump era. These are not political abstractions or parliamentary debates. These are families living in fear, lawmakers under constant protection, and death threats that have become commonplace. Slotkin said that freedom of speech is worth defending. “Right now, speaking out against the abuse of power is the most patriotic thing we can do,” she said. This resistance in the face of intimidation represents what remains of American political dignity.

The threats against Slotkin’s family make me physically sick. Swatting is no joke. It is a terrorist tactic designed to instill fear. And what is even more appalling is that Trump actively encourages this kind of behavior through his words and actions. He is creating an environment where intimidation becomes normalized, where harassing political opponents becomes a national pastime. And Pirro is there, ready to use the power of the Department of Justice to turn this toxic atmosphere into legal persecution. This is the very definition of abuse of power.

Section 4: Powell's Response and the Bipartisan Coalition Against the Investigation

Powell Responds Publicly

Jerome Powell decided to respond publicly after receiving the subpoena. The Federal Reserve Chair released a video in which he described the investigation as unprecedented and as a consequence of the fact that the Federal Reserve sets interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the president’s preferences. This direct and unequivocal statement marks a break from the tradition of discretion that normally surrounds the Federal Reserve. Powell has chosen to fight back publicly rather than silently submit to this intimidation.

Powell’s swift response sparked a wave of bipartisan support in political and economic circles. A joint statement was released on Monday, signed by all living former Federal Reserve chairmen as well as a bipartisan group of former Treasury secretaries and chairs of the Council of Economic Advisers. This unprecedented document warned of an attempt to use legal attacks to undermine the Federal Reserve. This rare unity between Democrats and Republicans illustrates just how much the Fed’s independence is considered a fundamental value of the U.S. economy.

Powell’s video is something I never thought I’d see. The chair of the Federal Reserve—that institution normally so obscure and technocratic—standing before the cameras to denounce political persecution. This is the moment when the curtain rises and everyone can see the raw reality of what’s happening under Trump. And the bipartisan response! Former Fed chairmen from both parties uniting against this attack! It’s a powerful reminder that even in an era of extreme polarization, certain values remain universal. Central bank independence isn’t a left-wing or right-wing concept. It’s a pillar of the market economy.

The Potential Consequences for the Economy

Pirro’s investigation now threatens to complicate the confirmation timeline for a new Fed chair—a priority for Trump to advance his economic agenda. Until now, Bessent had been helping to guide the selection process for Trump’s new nominee to head the Federal Reserve, ahead of an official announcement in the coming weeks. But the investigation led by Pirro now casts doubt on the administration’s insistence that it respects the Federal Reserve’s long-standing independence.

As financial markets remain volatile due to this political instability, some of Trump’s officials have openly wondered whether Powell would now decide to stay at the Federal Reserve well beyond the end of his term as chairman. Until now, Powell had no desire to stay, but now I wouldn’t be so quick to say that. “I think he might want to do it, in a way, just out of spite,” said a source close to Powell. This prospect, though speculative, illustrates the unintended consequences of Pirro’s and Trump’s aggressive approach.

The U.S. economy—that complex, interconnected machine—depends on confidence and stability. Every time Trump and his allies undermine that confidence, they put millions of lives at risk. Interest rates, inflation, employment, and investment—all of these are influenced by the markets’ perception of political stability. And when you have a president who goes after the chair of the Federal Reserve because he isn’t cutting rates fast enough, you create uncertainty that can have catastrophic consequences. It’s like playing with matches in an ammunition factory.

Section 5: Bill Pulte's Role in This Conspiracy

A Controversial Trump Ally

Trump’s advisers and allies have also pointed the finger at Bill Pulte, the top housing official, a vocal critic of Powell who had pushed for an investigation into him, notably by recently presenting Trump with a “Wanted” poster of the Fed chair. Pulte denied any involvement in the investigation into Powell, and in a statement, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described Pulte as one of the president’s most loyal and important advisers. “Bill Pulte is a patriot and has President Trump’s full confidence,” he said.

However, conflicting reports suggest that Pulte played a central role in initiating this investigation. The use of a “Wanted” poster in the White House illustrates the extent to which politics under Trump has become a toxic mix of populism and reality TV. Pulte, like other Trump allies, seems to understand that the key to success in this administration is not competence or integrity, but the ability to pander to the president’s most vengeful instincts. This dynamic creates an environment where the most extreme and irresponsible advisors are rewarded.

A casting call for the Federal Reserve chair! It’s like something out of a teen Western movie—except the consequences are very real. Pulte, a man who seems more at home in a Fox News newsroom than in a serious government position, perfectly embodies what the Trump administration has become: a fan club where blind loyalty trumps competence. This isn’t governance—it’s presidential cosplay. And when these childish games start to affect the global economy, we realize just how much danger we’re in.

Contradictions Within the Administration

The conflicting denials by Trump and Pulte regarding their approval of the investigation reveal deep divisions and a lack of coordination within the Trump administration. On one hand, Pirro claims to be acting independently. On the other, Trump denies any knowledge of the investigation. Meanwhile, Pulte denies his involvement, even as he is cited as a key player by other sources. These contradictions are not accidental; they reflect a decentralized administration where different factions are vying for the president’s influence.

This chaotic structure creates an environment where impulsive actions—such as Pirro’s investigation—can be launched without proper consultation. Senior officials at the Department of Justice are stunned and annoyed that they were not consulted on an investigation of such significance. This lack of process and coordination is not only inefficient; it is dangerous. It allows amateurs and ideologues like Pulte and Pirro to launch initiatives that can have major economic and political consequences without anyone being able to stop them.

The chaos of the Trump administration is not a glitch—it’s a feature. Trump loves chaos. He believes that competition among his advisors makes him stronger. But when that competition turns into a proxy war between different branches of government, everyone suffers. Financial markets, foreign allies, and ordinary Americans all become the unwitting hostages of Trump’s internal wars. And Pirro, with her desperate desire to please, has become one of the most destructive generals in this war.

Section 6: Bipartisan Resistance to Trump's Excesses

Republicans Are Distancing Themselves

The Republicans’ reaction to the investigation into Powell has been particularly notable. Senator Tillis, a conservative Republican from North Carolina, has taken a particularly strong stance against the investigation. His statement that he would not even vote for his own mother to replace Powell as long as the investigation remains open is a scathing condemnation of Trump’s approach. This Republican resistance is not an isolated incident; several GOP senators have voiced concerns, fearing that the attack on the Fed’s independence could jeopardize economic stability.

This rift within the Republican Party is significant. Trump has long demanded absolute loyalty from his supporters, severely punishing those who oppose him. Yet even in this intimidating environment, some Republicans are willing to defend fundamental principles such as the Federal Reserve’s independence. This resistance, though limited, shows that not all institutions and principles have crumbled in the face of Trump’s assault. There are still red lines that even the most loyal supporters are not willing to cross.

I’m surprised, to be honest. After years of blind submission within the Republican Party, seeing senators like Tillis take a stand against Trump is almost miraculous. It’s like seeing a plant bloom in the desert. It gives me a tiny, fragile, but real glimmer of hope. Perhaps not all principles have been sold out. Perhaps some conservatives still understand that certain institutions must remain above partisan politics. Tillis took a huge risk by opposing Trump, and that deserves recognition, even though I disagree with him on just about everything else.

Unity Among Economic Experts

The joint statement signed by all former Federal Reserve chairmen and a bipartisan group of former Treasury secretaries represents a rare display of unity in contemporary American politics. These economic experts, drawing from diverse political backgrounds, have united to condemn Pirro’s investigation. Their warning about an attempt to use legal attacks to undermine the Federal Reserve is unequivocal and unprecedented.

This unity among economic experts illustrates just how much the Fed’s independence is viewed as a fundamental pillar of the U.S. economy. Unlike many other political issues that divide experts, there is a consensus on the central bank’s independence. Conservatives and liberals alike understand that when politics encroaches on monetary policy, the result is almost always disastrous. This bipartisan unity, even if it is not enough to stop Trump, at least serves as a powerful reminder of what is at stake.

There is something poignant about this unity. Former Fed chairpersons—these men and women who spend their lives thinking about interest rates and inflation—finding themselves united in a political statement. This is not natural for them. They prefer the technocratic shadows to the political spotlight. But when they see the very foundations of the U.S. economy under threat, they have no choice but to step out of their reserve. This is a sign of how serious the situation is. When the technocrats start shouting, everyone should listen.

Section 7: Parallels with Authoritarian Regimes

The Instrumentalization of Justice

What is happening under the Trump administration is not unprecedented in history. The instrumentalization of the judicial system to persecute political opponents is a classic hallmark of authoritarian regimes. From Erdogan’s Turkey to Orban’s Hungary, we have seen this pattern repeat itself time and again: a leader comes to power, begins to undermine independent institutions, uses the judicial system as a weapon against his enemies, and gradually transforms democracy into an authoritarian regime.

The case of Pirro and Trump follows this pattern with alarming precision. Trump expresses his frustration that the justice system isn’t prosecuting his enemies fast enough. Pirro immediately launches investigations against Trump’s favorite targets. Political opponents like Slotkin are harassed and intimidated. Independent institutions like the Federal Reserve are attacked. It’s the playbook of authoritarianism being followed to the letter in the world’s largest democracy.

I don’t want to be the one to compare Trump to Hitler or Mussolini. Such comparisons are often exaggerated and counterproductive. But I cannot ignore the parallels. The manipulation of the justice system, the persecution of political opponents, the attack on independent institutions—all of this bears a dangerous resemblance to what we’ve seen in other countries that have slipped into authoritarianism. The difference is that America has stronger institutions and a deeper democratic tradition. But even the strongest institutions can crumble if they are systematically attacked.

The Normalization of Intimidation

One of the most troubling aspects of this case is the normalization of political intimidation. Slotkin has received thousands of threats, including credible threats against her life and that of her family. The swatting of her parents was reported as a routine incident in media coverage. This escalation of intimidation—from online harassment to physical death threats—represents a new norm in American politics.

This normalization is particularly dangerous because it creates an environment where political opposition becomes physically dangerous. Lawmakers may fear not only for their political careers but for their physical safety and that of their families. This atmosphere of fear has a powerful deterrent effect on democracy. How can we have a free and open political debate when those who speak out are met with death threats?

What terrifies me most is just how accustomed we’ve become to this madness. Slotkin receives death threats, her parents are victims of swatting, and it’s barely reported as a minor news item. We’ve become jaded in the face of political intimidation, as if it were just another feature of the American political landscape. This is Trump’s ultimate victory: he has normalized the unacceptable. He has made political intimidation commonplace. And once the intolerable becomes commonplace, anything becomes possible.

Section 8: Lessons from This Crisis

The Importance of Independent Institutions

This crisis underscores the crucial importance of independent institutions in a democracy. The Federal Reserve, the Department of Justice, and the FBI—these institutions are not tools of political power. They are guardians of the rule of law and economic stability. When they are exploited for political purposes, the entire system begins to unravel. Markets become volatile, citizens lose confidence in the government, and democracy itself is threatened.

The bipartisan backlash against Pirro’s investigation shows that there remains a fundamental consensus on the importance of these independent institutions. Even in an era of extreme polarization, certain principles remain universal. This consensus, though fragile, offers hope. It shows that not all Americans are willing to abandon the foundations of their democracy.

I deeply believe that institutions are the only thing standing between us and chaos. Constitutions, laws, processes, informal norms—the entire edifice we have built over centuries of democracy. Trump and his allies, like Pirro, are tearing down this edifice brick by brick. They fail to understand that these institutions are not there to hinder them, but to protect them. They see only the immediate constraints on their power, not the long-term protection these institutions offer to everyone. This is the typical short-sightedness of autocrats.

The Role of the Media and Civil Society

The media have played a crucial role in this crisis by exposing the actions of Pirro and Trump. The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The New York Times, and Politico—these outlets have pursued the story despite the risks. Civil society organizations have also denounced the manipulation of the justice system. This constant oversight is an important part of the democratic system of checks and balances.

However, the role of the media is threatened by Trump’s constant attacks on what he calls “fake news.” Pirro herself comes from Fox News, a network that has often served as a mouthpiece for Trump’s attacks on traditional media. This dynamic creates a dangerous environment where the truth itself becomes a political issue. Without a free and vigorous press, democracy cannot survive.

Journalists who pursue these stories despite threats and attacks are the unsung heroes of our democracy. They do the work that most of us don’t dare to do. They ask the uncomfortable questions, they seek the truth despite the lies, and they hold those in power accountable. Pirro, who comes from this world, should know this better than anyone. Instead, she has chosen to become a weapon of destruction against the free press. This is a betrayal of both her profession and her country.

Conclusion: America at a Crossroads

A Time to Choose

America is at a critical juncture in its history. Attacks on democratic institutions are on the rise. The manipulation of the justice system is becoming systematic. The intimidation of political opponents is becoming the norm. These developments are not accidents or fleeting excesses. They represent a fundamental transformation of the nature of the American government. The question all Americans must ask themselves is simple: what kind of country do we want to be?

The choices we make now will determine the future of American democracy for generations to come. We can accept this shift toward a system where political power dictates the justice system, or we can resist and defend the institutions that protect us. Pirro and Trump represent one path, but they are not the only possible path. Bipartisan resistance against their excesses shows that an alternative path remains.

I can’t help but think of history when I look at what’s happening in America. How many countries have faced this pivotal moment? How many chose the wrong path? Germany in the 1930s, Italy in the 1920s, Spain in the 1930s, Argentina in the 1970s—the list is long and tragic. America has always believed it was different, that it was immune to these authoritarian tendencies. But what is happening now proves the opposite. No one is immune. Democracy is fragile and requires constant vigilance.

Hope in the Resistance

Despite everything, there are still reasons for hope. The bipartisan backlash against Pirro’s investigation shows that not all Americans have abandoned democratic principles. The courageous actions of lawmakers like Slotkin, the resistance of economic experts, and the work of the media—which continues to do its job despite the attacks—all demonstrate that American democracy remains alive.

History teaches us that democracies can survive moments of crisis. They can emerge stronger from these trials. But this requires vigilance, courage, and solidarity. Trump rants and Pirro listens, but they do not have the final say. The final say belongs to the Americans who refuse to abandon their democracy. In this dark moment, this resistance represents a glimmer of hope.

I believe in America. Not in Trump’s mythological America, but in the real, complex, imperfect yet fundamentally decent America that still exists. I see this America in Slotkin’s courage, in Powell’s integrity, in the journalism of those who continue to seek the truth. This America is stronger than Trump, stronger than Pirro, stronger than all the autocrats who will try to destroy it. It will survive because it must survive. Because the world cannot afford to lose this bastion of democracy. Trump screams, Pirro listens, but America will eventually answer them. And that answer will be the sound of democracy refusing to die.

Sources

Primary Sources

Talking Points Memo – Trump Yells and Jeanine Pirro Listens – January 14, 2026

CNN Politics – Frustration mounts inside the White House over Pirro’s handling of the Powell investigation – January 13, 2026

Politico – Slotkin says she is under investigation for November military video – January 14, 2026

Secondary Sources

Wall Street Journal – Trump blasted federal prosecutors at White House event – January 13, 2026

New York Times – Senator Says Prosecutors Are Investigating Her After Video About Illegal Orders – January 13, 2026

Fox Business – Pirro says Federal Reserve ignored US attorney outreach regarding Powell’s testimony – January 13, 2026

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