- US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces a criminal indictment from the Department of Justice related to his testimony about the Fed's headquarters renovations.
- Central bankers globally, including Christine Lagarde, are publicly supporting Powell and defending the independence of central banks.
- The investigation follows pressure from the Trump administration, which has pushed for lower interest rates, though the White House denies involvement.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear about what's happening with the US Federal Reserve?

B: No, Kenji! What's up? It sounds serious.

A: Yeah, it is! The head guy, Jerome Powell, is being threatened with criminal charges!

B: Wow! Seriously? What for?

A: Apparently, it’s about his testimony last June. It was about renovating the Fed’s headquarters. He says it’s all politically motivated.

B: Politically motivated? That's rough! So, the government doesn’t like what he’s doing?

A: Exactly! He said he’s making decisions about interest rates based on what’s best for the public, not what the president wants.

B: Makes sense, right? Central banks should be independent!

A: Totally! That's why a lot of other central bankers around the world are standing up for him. Christine Lagarde from the European Central Bank too!

B: That's a big deal! Everyone's saying he's been acting with integrity.

A: Yep! They want to protect the independence of their banks. Australia, Canada, South Korea - they all signed a statement.

B: Oh, but Ueda-san, from the Bank of Japan, didn’t sign, huh?

A: Nope. He hasn't said anything.

B: Interesting… So, this all started because President Trump wanted lower interest rates?

A: That's what it seems like! Though someone from the White House says they weren’t involved. It’s a bit of a mess.

B: Crazy! Hopefully, things will settle down soon.