Why is Bitcoin rising today after DOJ investigation into Fed?

• Bitcoin rises after DOJ subpoenas Fed.
• Fed accuses political pressure to cut interest rates
• Cryptocurrencies gain strength amid instability.

Bitcoin traded higher on Friday (12), temporarily surpassing US$92, after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell confirmed that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) had issued grand jury subpoenas to the central bank, amid a possible criminal indictment.

The investigation revolves around testimony given by Powell in June 2025 to the Senate Banking Committee, related to the controversial $2,5 billion renovation of the Fed headquarters. The project has been criticized for its high cost. However, Powell stated that the investigation "is not about the building," classifying the reasons as pretexts.

“The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will be best for the public, rather than following the President’s preferences,” Powell stated, pointing directly to political interference from the White House.

According to Powell, the Fed is being targeted for refusing to heed pressure from US President Donald Trump for aggressive rate cuts. He reinforced that monetary policy will continue to be guided by economic data and institutional mandate, not by external pressures. "It's a question of whether the Fed will be able to continue setting interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether, instead, monetary policy will be driven by political pressure or intimidation."

With the statement made before the markets opened, investors adopted a more defensive stance. Stock futures fell, the dollar weakened, and assets such as gold and silver appreciated. Bitcoin, in turn, advanced, reinforcing its position as an alternative to the instability of traditional systems.

The possibility of the Fed yielding to political pressure and cutting interest rates more quickly creates an environment of greater liquidity, which tends to favor scarce assets like Bitcoin. Furthermore, any weakening of the monetary authority's independence strengthens the argument for cryptocurrencies as a hedge against political and monetary manipulation.

Currently, Bitcoin is trading at US$91.229,74, up 0,5% in the last 24 hours.