Jonathan Kanter on Powell criminal probe: The bar for convicting somebody for a crime is very high

Summary

Jonathan Kanter, former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, discusses the criminal inquiry into Fed Chair Jerome Powell over renovation costs and allegations he lied to Congress. Kanter says the bar to open an investigation is low but the bar to convict for perjury is very high, requiring direct material lies with intent. He also notes the probe could become a pretext for Powell's removal, creating further legal disputes. Markets are shown reacting negatively, with Dow futures down from a recent S&P 500 high.

• A U.S. Attorney's Office criminal inquiry into Fed Chair Powell focuses on renovation costs and alleged false congressional testimony.
• Dow futures fell about 350 points as the news hit markets.
• Jonathan Kanter says perjury convictions require proof of direct, material lies with intent, not merely sloppy statements.
• He notes politically motivated prosecutions can face judicial skepticism and discovery into motives.
• Kanter says the investigation could be a pretext for removing Powell, triggering more legal fights.
• The segment is legal and political analysis with no explicit actionable investment recommendation.