Rep Luna Files Criminal Referral Against Fed Chair Powell Over $2.5B Renovation

Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has formally referred Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to the Department of Justice for alleged perjury related to the Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation. Luna's referral centers on Powell's June 25 testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, in which he denied the inclusion of expensive features such as a VIP dining room and special elevators, contradicting original 2021 planning documents. The renovation's cost increased from an initial $1.9 billion estimate to $2.5 billion, prompting criticism from Trump administration officials who accuse Powell of misleading Congress and violating federal planning laws. Powell defended his testimony by stating that controversial features were removed to simplify construction and avoid further delays, and the Fed claims it was not legally required to seek approval for minor design changes. The renovation has faced scrutiny over unforeseen issues like asbestos and soil contamination, and President Trump has suggested the scandal might justify Powell's removal as Fed Chair. Criminal referrals are formal requests for DOJ investigations but do not compel the department to press charges.