The Myth of Fed Political Independence: Comprehensive Study Takes a Closer Look at Political Influence Over the U.S. Federal Reserve

Webster's paper argues that the Federal Reserve is deeply intertwined with the political machinery of the United States government

A new comprehensive study by Thomas Joseph Webster, Professor Emeritus of Economics at Pace University, challenges the long-held belief in the Federal Reserve’s political independence. Titled “The Myth of Fed Political Independence,” the report closely examines the relationship between monetary and fiscal policies, arguing that the Federal Reserve operates more as a political tool than an independent entity.

The paper argues that the Federal Reserve is deeply integrated into the political machinery of the U.S. government, acting more as a financier for Congress than an independent body focused solely on maintaining economic stability. According to Webster, the Fed’s involvement in purchasing U.S. Treasury securities — particularly during periods of large fiscal deficits — demonstrates its role in accommodating congressional spending. This relationship, he suggests, undermines the central bank’s mandate to maintain price stability and protect the economy from inflation.

In the study, Webster examines the global financial crisis (GFC) from 2010 until the closing weeks of 2021. “During this period, the Fed was less concerned with the effect that expanding budget deficits were having on the general price level and more concerned with abetting the budget agenda of the White House and Congress,” the report explains.

“An FOMC insider at the time confided in me that it was politically difficult for the Fed to end quantitative easing because Congress and private-sector business interests had become addicted to the cheap money,” Webster adds.

The paper provides empirical evidence to support the claim that the U.S. central bank’s monetary policies are heavily influenced by political agendas. Webster highlights the Fed’s quantitative easing (QE) program, initiated during the global financial crisis of 2008 and continuing through subsequent years, as a prime example of the institution’s complicity in enabling government spending. The rapid expansion of the Fed’s balance sheet, coupled with rising consumer prices, is presented as evidence of the central bank’s departure from its primary objectives in favor of political expediency.

“Between 2008 Q4 and 2021 Q1 the Fed’s balance sheet increased from $2.4 trillion to $8.8 trillion. During that same period, the CPI increased 32 percent from about 211 to 280,” Webster notes.

Webster concludes that the perceived independence of the Federal Reserve is largely a myth, arguing that the institution has become a politically co-opted agency. His analysis suggests that the Fed’s actions, particularly in the aftermath of the financial crisis, were more about supporting the government’s fiscal policies than ensuring economic stability. As a result, Webster contends that the Fed’s policies have had a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income households, further calling into question the central bank’s role in safeguarding the broader economy.

What do you think about the research paper that questions the Fed’s independence? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below.

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