In a dramatic turn of events at the Jacques Polak Annual Research Conference in Washington, D.C., Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell faced a security intervention when a group of climate protesters interrupted his speech on Thursday.
The disruption unfolded during a monetary policy discussion panel, with Powell addressing the audience when a live video feed captured several individuals storming onto the stage, vociferously advocating for climate-related concerns. The video abruptly cut off as a security guard swiftly enveloped Powell, guiding him off the stage and, presumably, to a secure location.
Amidst the commotion, Powell was heard expressing gratitude, instructing to “close the f***ing door” as security took charge. Subsequently, both the video and audio feeds were terminated, leaving the exact nature of the protesters’ actions unclear.
While the video did not reveal the protesters’ signs or props, one demonstrator could be heard shouting about climate change as the interruption commenced. A woman on the microphone confronted Powell, accusing him of jeopardizing the nation by neglecting to address climate change as a systemic risk.
“Chair Powell, by refusing to treat climate change as a systemic risk, you are putting us at risk of economic disaster,” she proclaimed, adding a layer of intensity to the protest.
The disruption endured for a few minutes before order was restored, and Powell retook the stage to applause from the audience. In a light-hearted attempt to resume the discussion, Powell humorously quipped, “OK, where was I? Inflation was coming down,” eliciting laughter from the crowd.
This incident is not the first time Powell has faced interruptions from climate activists. Last month, at the Economic Club of New York, Powell’s key policy address was disrupted by protesters chanting slogans about oil and gas financing. The earlier incident prompted organizers to dim the lights as the demonstrators took to the stage, emphasizing the persistent challenge faced by Powell in delivering public addresses amid rising climate concerns.