Fed

• Um tribunal de apelações federal anulou uma injunction de instância inferior que havia ordenado que a Trump administration restabelecesse o fluxo de federal grants para diversos governos locais, liberando bilhões de dólares em financiamentos que estavam retidos. • A decisão segue uma disputa sobre como a administração interpreta as condições vinculadas aos federal grants, com as cidades argumentando que a retenção equivalia a retaliação política. • A decisão pode influenciar como futuras administrações podem ou não condicionar ajuda ao cumprimento de políticas, além de trazer implicações para o federalismo e a autonomia local.

• O governo Trump apresentou uma nova lista de indicados para liderar diversos conselhos federais e fundos fiduciários, incluindo um que supervisionará uma importante cerimônia de premiação cultural este ano, de acordo com anúncios da Casa Branca. • As seleções incluem aliados políticos próximos e comentaristas conservadores, reforçando o padrão de Trump de colocar aliados de confiança em cargos de supervisão que gerenciam subsídios, doações e instituições voltadas ao público. • Democratas e alguns órgãos de fiscalização do governo levantaram preocupações de que as nomeações possam introduzir critérios partidários em programas tradicionalmente apartidários.

• Os preços do petróleo dispararam em meio ao conflito entre Irã e EUA que ameaça a oferta global, mas as ações dos EUA permaneceram resilientes perto de máximas históricas, impulsionadas pelos resultados sólidos de Visa e Starbucks em 29 de abril de 2026. • O S&P 500 caiu 0,1%, o Dow caiu 286 pontos ou 0,6%, o Nasdaq subiu 0,1%; as ações da Visa saltaram 8,3% devido aos gastos resilientes dos consumidores, segundo o CEO Ryan McInerney, enquanto a Starbucks subiu 8,6% com maiores gastos por visita na América do Norte. • Autoridades do Federal Reserve sinalizaram que não haverá cortes de juros em 2026, quase eliminando as apostas dos investidores e quase favorecendo altas devido à inflação vinda dos preços de energia; o mercado de títulos estremeceu.

• A delegada do congresso de DC, Eleanor Holmes Norton, de 88 anos, respondeu desafiadoramente à ameaça federal mais grave ao governo da cidade em 30 anos, vinda de Trump. • Norton, apoiada por aliados de Muriel Bowser, vê as ações de Trump como uma vitória política para o controle local. • O impasse ressalta as lutas de poder contínuas entre a governança federal e a de DC.

• Um juiz federal descartou um processo do Departamento de Justiça que buscava acesso aos dados de registro de eleitores do Arizona, decidindo a favor do estado. • O caso envolvia alegações de cadastros eleitorais imprecisos, mas o tribunal considerou que não havia evidências suficientes para prosseguir com as exigências do governo Trump. • Esta decisão protege a privacidade dos dados dos eleitores do estado e pode impactar os debates em andamento sobre a integridade eleitoral antes das eleições intermediárias de 2026.

• O Federal Reserve votou nesta quarta-feira para manter a taxa básica de fundos federais inalterada, entre 3,5% e 3,75%, citando preocupações com a alta da inflação em meio à guerra no Irã. • Isso marca a continuação da pausa do Fed nos ajustes de taxas, após três cortes sucessivos de 25 pontos-base em setembro, outubro e dezembro de 2025. • O presidente do Fed, Jerome Powell, deve realizar uma coletiva de imprensa às 14h30 (horário do leste dos EUA) para discutir a decisão, marcando o que poderá ser seu último anúncio de taxa de juros como presidente do Federal Reserve.

• Autoridades do Fed citam inflação elevada, crescimento lento do emprego e incerteza no Oriente Médio como razões para manter as taxas • O Federal Reserve dos EUA manteve as taxas de juros inalteradas após sua última reunião de diretoria, desafiando mais uma vez o pedido de corte de Donald Trump, enquanto o banco central se prepara para uma reformulação de liderança no próximo mês. • Na quarta-feira, funcionários do Fed continuaram a citar a inflação elevada, o crescimento lento do emprego e a incerteza no Oriente Médio como razões para que as taxas permanecessem intocadas.

• Uma comissão do Senado está prestes a dar prosseguimento à escolha de Trump, enquanto persistem dúvidas sobre a independência do Fed e o futuro de Powell. • Kevin Warsh, a escolha de Donald Trump para liderar o Federal Reserve, deve superar um obstáculo processual crucial nesta quarta-feira, abrindo caminho para que ele suceda Jerome Powell nas próximas semanas, em meio aos esforços sem precedentes da Casa Branca para exercer controle sobre o banco central mais poderoso do mundo. • A comissão bancária do Senado deve votar às 10h EDT (14h GMT) para encaminhar a nomeação de Warsh ao plenário do Senado, controlado pelos Republicanos. Espera-se que todos os 13 Republicanos do painel apoiem Warsh, depois que Thom Tillis, senador da Carolina do Norte, desistiu de sua oposição após a decisão do Departamento de Justiça, na sexta-feira, de encerrar uma investigação criminal contra Powell, que Tillis via como uma ameaça à independência política do Fed.

• Uma maioria de americanos expressa preocupação com a alta dos custos de saúde e apoia o aumento dos gastos fiscais federais para enfrentar esses desafios, de acordo com o Axios/Ipsos American Health Index divulgado em 17 de março de 2026. • A pesquisa demonstra apoio bipartidário para a ação governamental visando a acessibilidade da saúde, refletindo a preocupação generalizada do público dos EUA com a escalada das despesas médicas. • Os americanos também demonstram maior confiança na gestão governamental das decisões sobre vacinação infantil, sinalizando uma confiança pública mais ampla nas intervenções de políticas de saúde.

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.