President Donald Trump has criticized the independence of the Federal Reserve (Fed) despite the dismissal of a Justice Department probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The decision to drop the probe could pave the way for the confirmation of Kevin Warsh, who has pledged to keep the Fed independent. However, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has refused to allow Warsh's nomination to proceed to a full Senate vote while the investigation is pending, citing it as a threat to the Fed's ability to decide interest rates free of political considerations. The White House remains confident that Warsh will be confirmed as Fed Chairman to restore competence and confidence in Fed decision-making.