The independence of the Federal Reserve, although generally accepted, remains a subject of debate, especially in times of economic uncertainty. There are calls to increase the oversight and accountability of the institution, which raises the challenge of balancing its autonomy with accountability.

The debates reflect an inherent tension in the design of financial institutions: ensuring that they operate without political interference, while ensuring that their decisions benefit the public. Excessive oversight could limit their responsiveness, while too much autonomy could distance them from social needs. Finding this balance is crucial to maintaining trust in their role as a key economic regulator.