The DOJ's botched criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell raises some interesting questions about institutional credibility. Despite Powell's questionable track record on monetary policy leadership, this clumsy probe might paradoxically work in his favor when it comes to media narrative and public perception.

Think about it: a failed government investigation often generates sympathy rather than scrutiny. The optics matter more than the substance in these high-stakes institutional battles. Whether this plays out to help or hurt broader market confidence—especially in asset classes sensitive to Fed decisions—remains to be seen. But one thing's certain: the bungled execution here overshadows legitimate questions about policy decisions.