Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he will oppose the confirmation of any new Federal Reserve chair if current Chair Jerome Powell is removed from his position, marking another instance in which the Republican senator has broken with President Donald Trump. Tillis cited concerns about political interference following reports that Powell is under a criminal investigation related to prior congressional testimony.
In a post on social media, Tillis said the situation raises serious questions about the independence of the Federal Reserve and the role of the Justice Department. He stated that he will not support any Federal Reserve nominees, including a new chair, until the legal matter involving Powell is fully resolved.
Tillis’ position is significant because he serves on the Senate Banking Committee, which is responsible for reviewing and advancing Federal Reserve nominations. Powell’s current term as chair is set to expire in May, though he is expected to remain on the Federal Reserve’s board of governors until 2028 unless he is formally removed.
The senator has recently taken other steps that place him at odds with the Trump administration. Last week, Tillis said he would block future Department of Homeland Security nominees until DHS Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, a move that drew criticism from the department over potential national security implications.
The investigation involving Powell centers on testimony he gave to the Senate Banking Committee last June regarding renovations to the Federal Reserve’s Washington headquarters, which are funded by the central bank rather than taxpayers. Powell has denied any wrongdoing, while some lawmakers have warned against actions they say could undermine the Fed’s independence. President Trump has publicly expressed interest in appointing a new chair who would pursue more aggressive interest rate cuts.
How to Save Thousands on Car Insurance This Year
Introduction
Car insurance is a major expense for many Americans, with the average U.S. driver spending over $1,700 annually. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can save thousands of dollars without sacrificing coverage. In this guide, we’ll show practical tips, tricks, and top provider comparisons to help you reduce your premiums in 2026.
Why Car Insurance Costs So Much
Insurance premiums are influenced by:
- Your Location: Urban areas with higher accident rates cost more.
- Driving Record: Tickets, accidents, or DUIs increase rates.
- Vehicle Type: Sports cars and luxury vehicles cost more to insure.
- Credit Score: In many states, credit scores impact rates.
- Coverage Level: Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles raise premiums.
Top 5 Ways to Save on Car Insurance
- Shop Around Every Year
Insurance rates fluctuate frequently. Comparing multiple providers annually can save hundreds or even thousands. Use online comparison tools for quotes from top U.S. insurers. - Bundle Policies
Many insurers offer discounts if you combine auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance. Bundling can cut premiums by 10–25%. - Increase Your Deductible
Raising your deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) can significantly lower monthly premiums. Just ensure you can afford the deductible in case of a claim. - Check for Discounts
Common discounts include:
- Good driver discounts
- Multi-car discounts
- Student or safe-driving discounts
- Low mileage discounts
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Avoiding accidents, tickets, and DUIs can save hundreds annually. Defensive driving courses can sometimes reduce rates as well.
Comparison Table of Top U.S. Car Insurance Providers
| Provider | Average Annual Premium | Key Discounts | Coverage Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,500 | Multi-car, Good Driver | Liability, Comprehensive, Collision |
| GEICO | $1,450 | Military, Federal Employees, Good Student | Liability, Comprehensive, Collision |
| Progressive | $1,600 | Multi-policy, Snapshot Usage | Liability, Comprehensive, Collision |
| Allstate | $1,700 | New Car, Safe Driving, Bundling | Liability, Comprehensive, Collision |
| USAA* | $1,350 | Military Only, Defensive Driving | Liability, Comprehensive, Collision |
*USAA is only available for military members and their families.
Tips to Maximize Savings
- Pay Annually: Paying your premium upfront can avoid monthly fees.
- Drive Less: Low mileage can qualify you for usage-based discounts.
- Review Coverage: Remove unnecessary add-ons like roadside assistance if you already have them.
- Maintain Good Credit: In most states, higher credit scores reduce premiums.
Conclusion
Saving on car insurance doesn’t require sacrificing coverage. By shopping around, bundling policies, using discounts, and maintaining a clean driving record, you can save thousands this year. Start comparing providers today to see how much you could save and put that money back in your pocket.