At the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library overlooking Boston Harbor on Sunday, former Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the people of the Twin Cities in Minnesota were honored with Profile in Courage Awards, presented by Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg.
Since 1989, the award has recognized public servants who have made courageous decisions despite personal or professional consequences. Previous recipients include former Presidents Barack Obama and George H. W. Bush, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former Vice President Mike Pence.
“This year’s honorees represent the courage of those who serve in all areas of government–and those who believe in it. This year we honor the courage of those who didn’t seek elected office but have demonstrated moral courage across our society.” – Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg
Jerome Powell spoke of protecting democratic institutions in his first public remarks since his term as fed chair ended on May 15. Powell intends to stay on as a Fed governor, preventing Trump from appointing another member in his place.
“If any administration finds a way to remove Fed officials over policy differences, then future administrations will do so as well. The public would lose faith that the central bank will make decisions based only on what’s best for all Americans,” Powell said.
Residents of the Twin Cities received the award for courage as the ICE/immigration crackdown led to thousands of arrests and the deaths of Minneapolis mother Renée Good and nurse Alex Pretti.
“This didn’t go to an elected leader for a reason,” Senator Amy Klobuchar said. “It’s because the people stood up. They stood up by marching 50,000 strong. They stood by bringing kids they didn’t even know — strangers’ kids — to school, by bringing them groceries and they didn’t blink. And that’s what this award is about. It’s about courage.”