Tillis Signals End To Hold On Fed Chair Nominee Kevin Warsh

Sen. Thom Tillis is prepared to end his blockade of Kevin Warsh’s nomination to be chair of the Federal Reserve, clearing a path for the Senate to move forward on the pick.

The shift comes after the Justice Department dropped a criminal probe involving current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, an investigation that Tillis had cited as the reason for his hold. Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, had said he would continue blocking Warsh’s nomination until the Justice Department ended the Powell probe.

Warsh is President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the central bank. Tillis’ decision to lift his blockade removes a key procedural obstacle that had stalled the nomination and signals that Senate consideration can now proceed.

The Justice Department’s decision to close the Powell investigation was reported in multiple outlets, including ABC News and Politico. The New York Times also reported that Tillis was prepared to advance the Fed nominee after the probe was dropped. NBC News reported that Tillis had dropped the blockade, clearing the way for Warsh’s confirmation process to move ahead.

The developments link two of Washington’s most consequential arenas: the Justice Department’s handling of investigations and the Senate’s role in confirming top economic officials. The Federal Reserve chair is one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government, central to decisions on interest rates, financial stability policy, and the broader direction of the economy.

A prolonged delay at the Fed’s top post can add uncertainty for markets and complicate the administration’s economic agenda. The nomination has also carried heightened political attention because it unfolded alongside the now-closed inquiry involving Powell, the current chair.

Tillis’ hold had effectively tied the nomination’s progress to the outcome of the Justice Department probe. With that probe now dropped, the senator’s willingness to lift his blockade marks a turning point that could allow the Senate to begin moving the nomination through its standard confirmation steps.

Next, Warsh’s nomination is expected to proceed through the Senate’s process, including committee consideration and any required votes to advance the nominee. The timing of those steps will be determined by Senate leadership and the relevant committees as they schedule hearings and votes.

At the same time, the administration’s reaction to the Justice Department’s decision remains a live political issue. One headline cited President Trump disputing the decision to close the Powell probe, underscoring that the matter may continue to draw scrutiny even as the nomination advances.

For now, Tillis’ move removes the immediate roadblock, putting Warsh’s bid to lead the Federal Reserve back on track for Senate action.