Former Fed Chair Jerome Powell Receives JFK Profile in Courage Award
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell was honored with the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation’s Profile in Courage Award for his role in protecting the central bank from political pressure, according to a single-source NPR report. Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, presented the award, praising Powell for not backing down despite “years of personal attacks, baseless prosecution and efforts to undermine him.” NPR reported that President Trump criticized Powell during his first term and escalated pressure in his second term, including threats to fire Powell and a criminal investigation by the Justice Department. Powell stated that “the public has every right to expect” the Fed to base decisions on economic analysis, not political considerations. The report noted that Powell’s term as Fed chairman ended last month, but he chose to remain on the central bank’s governing board. The Kennedy Library also awarded a Profile in Courage Award to the people of Minneapolis and St. Paul for protecting neighbors during an immigration crackdown. This story is based solely on the NPR article and cannot be independently verified.
What’s reported
Jerome Powell received the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation’s Profile in Courage Award.
The award recognized his efforts to safeguard the Federal Reserve from political pressure from President Trump.
Caroline Kennedy presented the award and cited Powell’s dignity and resolve despite personal attacks.
During his first term, Trump criticized Powell for not cutting rates; during his second term, Trump threatened to fire Powell and launched a criminal investigation of the Fed.
Powell said the Fed must make decisions based only on economic analysis, not political party fortunes.
Powell’s term as Fed chairman ended last month, but he stayed on the Fed’s governing board.
The Kennedy Library also awarded a Profile in Courage Award to the people of Minneapolis and St. Paul for protecting neighbors from a government immigration crackdown.
Key figures
Jerome Powell, former Federal Reserve chairman
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, presenter of the award
Scott Horsley, NPR reporter (byline in the article)
Ailsa Chang and Scott Detrow, NPR hosts (mentioned in transcript context)
Sources: NPR
