A Justice Department criminal investigation, criticism from senior Trump administration officials and a looming successor announcement set the stage for a politically charged exchange that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell largely avoided Wednesday. Powell spoke after the Fed’s interest rate decision, marking his first appearance since the Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into his congressional testimony on the Fed’s headquarters renovation. FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR POWELL UNDER CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OVER HQ RENOVATIONIn a separate line of questioning, Powell was asked if he would stay at the Federal Reserve after his term as chair , which ends in May. Reporter: "Have you made a decision on whether you would remain as a governor of the Federal Reserve?" TRUMP VS THE FEDERAL RESERVE: HOW THE CLASH REACHED UNCHARTED TERRITORYWhen asked about conversations with lawmakers, Powell also declined to discuss them.