Fed

• Une cour d'appel fédérale a annulé l'injonction d'un tribunal de première instance qui avait ordonné à l'administration Trump de rétablir le versement de subventions fédérales à plusieurs gouvernements locaux, débloquant des milliards de dollars de financement qui avaient été gelés. • La décision fait suite à un litige concernant l'interprétation par l'administration des conditions assorties aux subventions fédérales, les villes soutenant que cette suspension constituait une forme de représailles politiques. • Le jugement pourrait influencer la façon dont les futures administrations pourraient conditionner, ou non, l'aide au respect de certaines politiques, et a des répercussions sur le fédéralisme et l'autonomie locale.

• L'administration Trump a dévoilé une nouvelle liste de candidats pour diriger plusieurs conseils fédéraux et fonds fiduciaires, dont l'un supervisera une importante cérémonie de remise de prix culturels cette année, selon des annonces de la White House. • Ces choix incluent des alliés politiques proches et des commentateurs conservateurs, renforçant l'habitude de Trump de placer des fidèles à des postes de supervision gérant des subventions, des dotations et des institutions publiques. • Les démocrates et certains organismes de surveillance de la gestion publique ont exprimé des inquiétudes quant au fait que ces nominations pourraient introduire des critères partisans dans des programmes traditionnellement non partisans.

• Les prix du pétrole ont bondi sur fond de conflit Iran-U.S. menaçant l'approvisionnement mondial, mais les actions U.S. sont restées résilientes à proximité de records portées par les solides résultats de Visa et Starbucks le 29 avril 2026. • Le S&P 500 a reculé de 0,1 %, le Dow a chuté de 286 points ou 0,6 %, le Nasdaq a progressé de 0,1 % ; l'action Visa a bondi de 8,3 % grâce à la résilience des dépenses de consommation selon le CEO Ryan McInerney, tandis que Starbucks a grimpé de 8,6 % avec des dépenses par visite plus élevées en North America. • Les responsables de la Federal Reserve ont laissé entendre qu'il n'y aurait pas de baisses de taux en 2026, éliminant presque les paris des investisseurs et favorisant quasiment des hausses en raison de l'inflation des prix de l'énergie ; le marché obligataire a tremblé.

• La déléguée du Congrès de DC, Eleanor Holmes Norton, âgée de 88 ans, a répondu avec défi à la menace fédérale la plus sérieuse contre le gouvernement de la ville en 30 ans, émanant de Trump. • Norton, soutenue par les alliés de Muriel Bowser, considère les actions de Trump comme une victoire politique pour le contrôle local. • L'affrontement souligne les luttes de pouvoir persistantes entre la gouvernance fédérale et celle de DC.

• Un juge fédéral a rejeté une plainte du Département de la Justice visant à obtenir l'accès aux données d'inscription des électeurs de l'Arizona, tranchant en faveur de l'État. • L'affaire portait sur des allégations de listes électorales inexactes, mais le tribunal a estimé qu'il n'y avait pas de preuves suffisantes pour donner suite aux demandes de l'administration Trump. • Cette décision protège la confidentialité des données des électeurs de l'État et pourrait avoir un impact sur les débats en cours sur l'intégrité des élections avant les élections de mi-mandat de 2026.

• La Réserve fédérale a voté mercredi le maintien du taux directeur des fonds fédéraux inchangé, dans une fourchette de 3,5 % à 3,75 %, citant des inquiétudes concernant la hausse de l'inflation dans le contexte de la guerre en Iran. • Cela marque la poursuite de la pause de la Fed dans l'ajustement des taux, suite à trois baisses successives de 25 points de base en septembre, octobre et décembre 2025. • Le président de la Fed, Jerome Powell, doit tenir une conférence de presse à 14h30 (heure de l'Est) pour discuter de cette décision, marquant ce qui pourrait être sa dernière annonce sur les taux d'intérêt en tant que président de la Réserve fédérale.

Les responsables de la Fed citent l'inflation élevée, la faible croissance de l'emploi et l'incertitude au Middle East comme raisons du maintien des taux Inscrivez-vous à l'e-mail Breaking News US pour recevoir des alertes newsletter dans votre boîte de réception La Réserve fédérale américaine a laissé les taux d'intérêt inchangés après sa dernière réunion de conseil, défiant une fois de plus l'appel de Donald Trump à une baisse alors que la banque centrale se prépare à un remaniement de sa direction le mois prochain. Mercredi, les responsables de la Fed ont continué de citer l'inflation élevée, la faible croissance de l'emploi et l'incertitude au Middle East comme raisons pour lesquelles les taux n'ont pas été modifiés. Lire la suite...

Un comité du Sénat s'apprête à faire avancer le candidat choisi par Trump alors que des doutes subsistent quant à l'indépendance de la Fed et l'avenir de Powell Actualités politiques américaines en direct – dernières mises à jour Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter « Breaking News US » Kevin Warsh, le choix de Donald Trump pour diriger la Réserve fédérale, est en passe de franchir un obstacle procédural majeur ce mercredi, ouvrant la voie à sa succession de Jerome Powell dans les semaines à venir, sur fond d'efforts sans précédent de la part de la Maison-Blanche pour exercer un contrôle sur la banque centrale la plus puissante au monde. La commission bancaire du Sénat doit voter à 10h00 EDT (14h00 GMT) pour transmettre la nomination de Warsh au Sénat au complet, contrôlé par les républicains. Les 13 républicains de la commission devraient soutenir Warsh après que Thom Tillis, sénateur de Caroline du Nord, a levé son opposition suite à la décision prise vendredi par le département de la Justice de mettre fin à une enquête criminelle visant Powell, que Tillis percevait comme une menace pour l'indépendance politique de la Fed. Continuer la lecture...

• Une majorité d'Américains s'inquiètent de la hausse des coûts de santé et soutiennent l'augmentation des dépenses fiscales fédérales pour relever ces défis, selon l'American Health Index d'Axios/Ipsos publié le 17 mars 2026. • Le sondage démontre un soutien bipartisan en faveur d'une action gouvernementale sur l'accessibilité financière des soins de santé, reflétant une préoccupation généralisée du public américain face à l'escalade des dépenses médicales. • Les Américains font également preuve d'une confiance accrue envers la gestion gouvernementale des décisions relatives à la vaccination infantile, signalant une confiance publique plus large dans les interventions de politique sanitaire.

Federal raids unfold in Twin Cities amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota officialsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxFederal agents under the command of the Trump administration have descended on Minnesota’s Twin Cities again to primarily target alleged fraud at daycares after the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s so-called “Operation Metro Surge” all but wound down earlier in the year.“Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation,” the US justice department told the Guardian in a statement on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Exclusive: State government commits to strengthening laws as Higgins labels Albanese government’s response to women’s safety issues ‘disheartening’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Victorian government will strengthen laws regarding the use of victim-survivors’ confidential communications after a push by advocates including Brittany Higgins, who described her experience of having counselling records subpoenaed as a “violation”.In an interview with Guardian Australia, Higgins was also critical of the federal government’s lack of action following a sweeping review into the justice system’s responses to sexual violence, saying it had “completely fallen off the agenda”.Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html Continue reading...

• The Federal Reserve released minutes from its April 16 policy meeting, revealing internal division over the appropriate timeline for interest rate cuts, with several governors questioning whether inflation has declined sufficiently to warrant near-term reductions. • Hawks on the committee expressed concern that premature rate cuts could reignite price pressures, while doves argued that pausing at 5.5% risks unnecessarily constraining growth and employment, setting the stage for a contentious May 2 vote. • Market reactions to the minutes were mixed, with bond futures pricing in only a 28% probability of a rate cut by July 2026, down from 35% before the release, while equity index futures declined 0.6% on expectation of extended higher rates.

• U.S. stock futures fell late Sunday with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures down 130 points or 0.3%, S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq-100 futures also declining after record highs on Friday. • West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 2% above $96 per barrel following collapsed U.S.-Iran talks announced Saturday. • The Federal Reserve's interest-rate committee meets Tuesday-Wednesday, with Chair Jerome Powell's likely final press conference anticipated amid market highs.

• The Department of Justice dropped its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Powell regarding the agency's building expenditures, marking a significant development in federal oversight. • The decision came amid broader discussions on Capitol Hill about federal accountability, with both Republican and Democratic representatives weighing in on the implications. • The outcome reflects shifting priorities in federal investigations and debates over Fed governance and spending practices.

• The Department of Justice has dropped its investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, marking a significant policy shift. • The decision comes amid Trump's emergency economic orders, potentially easing tensions over Fed independence. • This move is viewed as stabilizing financial markets but criticized by conservatives seeking accountability on monetary policy.

The injunction pauses policy giving senior Trump official direct sign-off on federal clean energy projectsA federal judge in Massachusetts on Tuesday struck down several Trump administration actions slowing down development of clean energy, including a requirement that all solar and wind energy projects on federal lands and waters be personally approved by the interior secretary, Doug Burgum.Denise J Casper, chief judge of the US district court for Massachusetts, ruled that a coalition of plaintiffs representing wind and solar developers were likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that the administration’s actions violate federal statute and will cause irreparable harm if the court did not intervene. Continue reading...

Kevin Warsh, Trump’s ‘central casting’, has a long road ahead of convincing board members to lower interest ratesDonald Trump’s fate is to be frustrated by monetary policy.Even assuming he gets his way and Kevin Warsh succeeds Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve next month, it is unlikely that the president will finally gain control of the Fed. Continue reading...

• The president requires congressional approval to extend a 30-day federal takeover of unspecified operations beyond the initial period. • Lawmakers from both parties debate the scope, with costs projected at millions in taxpayer funds. • Extension could set precedent for future interventions, raising federalism concerns among states.

• 88-year-old congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is leading a back-seat response to the most serious federal threat to D.C.’s government in 30 years. • The challenge targets local autonomy, echoing Muriel Bowser's conflicts with Trump policies. • Victory for D.C. allies could preserve home rule amid national partisan divides.

• Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve Chair, testifies in his first Senate Banking Committee hearing at 1400 GMT on April 21, 2026, facing questions on Fed independence amid Trump's pressure to cut rates. • Warsh advocates reducing the Fed's balance sheet, conflicting with recent resumption of regular Treasury purchases in December 2025. • The hearing addresses hot topics like Fed autonomy and potential rate cuts, with USD firming after Monday's rally rejection.

Former Wall Street banker faces questions at confirmation hearing – but his biggest backer is also his biggest liabilityOn the face of it, Kevin Warsh looks like an ideal candidate to chair the Federal Reserve, the world’s most important central bank. The 56-year-old Ivy League economist, former Wall Street banker and presidential adviser ticks all the boxes. Unfortunately for Warsh, as he faces what could be a fraught nomination hearing, his biggest backer is also his biggest liability.In his second term, Donald Trump has attacked the Fed in a manner both unprecedented and unseemly. He has called current chair Jerome Powell – whom he also appointed – a “jerk”, “a stubborn MORON”, and repeatedly threatened to fire him. Continue reading...

The hearing marks a key hurdle Kevin Warsh must overcome in order to succeed Jerome Powell when his term ends on 15 MayHello and welcome to the US politics live blog.President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Federal Reserve will commit to protecting central bank independence on interest rates at a crucial confirmation hearing later today.Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Donald Trump’s labor secretary, resigned from her role with the administration. She said it was “an honor and a privilege to serve” to serve and that she would take on a job in the private sector. The departure came after she became entangled in a string of political and personal controversies. Democrats celebrated, writing “this administration is imploding”.Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, called for Kash Patel’s immediate resignation following a report from the Atlantic detailing the FBI director’s alleged excessive drinking and absences. Patel has sued the magazine for defamation with his attorneys calling the article a “sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece”.Donald Trump signed memorandums related to coal supply chains, natural gas and grid infrastructure on Monday. The president invoked the Defense Production Act in the energy-related memos, writing that increasing energy production is “essential to United States national defense”.The crowded field of Democratic candidates in the California’s governor’s race appears to be narrowing as Betty Yee — a former state controller— announced Monday she planned to end her campaign. Meanwhile, the California Democratic party chair Rusty Hicks continued to urge candidates trailing in the polls to exit the race. Continue reading...

Jose Serrano, a sergeant, said Deisy Rivera Ortega, his wife, was arrested at an immigration appointmentA US army sergeant with 27 years of military service – including deployment to Afghanistan – has said that federal immigration agents recently arrested his wife during an appointment at an El Paso, Texas, immigration office.In an interview with CBS News published Monday, Sgt First Class Jose Serrano said that Deisy Rivera Ortega, a Salvadoran and his wife, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers under the command of the Trump administration despite receiving legal protection in 2019 that bars her from being deported to El Salvador. Rivera Ortega, who wed Serrano in 2022, has been in the US since 2016, he said. Continue reading...

• President Donald Trump is backing Kevin Warsh as his preferred candidate for Federal Reserve chair, intensifying pressure on current Fed Chair Jerome Powell amid ongoing policy disagreements. • Republican Senator Kevin Cramer discussed the timeline for the CLARITY Act and Trump's strategy to reshape Federal Reserve leadership during an appearance on 'Mornings with Maria.'

Democratic lawmakers urged Republican leaders to postpone the confirmation hearing of Kevin WarshSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxDemocrats have moved to stall Donald Trump’s effort to exert greater control over the US Federal Reserve, condemning the president’s “absurd” bid to install a new leader of the central bank while it is targeted with criminal investigations.Democratic lawmakers on the Senate banking committee urged its Republican leadership on Thursday to postpone the planned confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh, the financial executive and former Fed governor Trump has nominated to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair. Continue reading...

Design among projects before US Commission of Fine Arts as lawsuits challenge scale and impactDonald Trump’s design for the triumphal arch he wants built at an entrance to the US capital comes up for a review and possible vote on Thursday by a key federal agency. It is one of several projects the US president is pursuing alongside a White House ballroom to leave his lasting footprint on Washington.Trump said on social media that the arch “will be the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World” and a “wonderful addition to the Washington D.C. area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come!”. Continue reading...

• President Donald Trump threatened to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell if he remains at the helm after his term ends next month. • Trump framed the move as part of efforts to align the central bank with his administration's economic agenda amid ongoing policy tensions. • The statement escalates executive pressure on the independent Fed, potentially destabilizing financial markets and sparking debates over central bank autonomy.