A federal judge will hold a hearing Friday in a case that could dramatically reshape presidential authority over the Federal Reserve — a traditionally independent institution that has helped steer the U.S. economy through crises for more than a century.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has filed for an emergency injunction to block President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire her, citing unproven allegations of mortgage fraud dating back to 2021 — before she was confirmed to the Fed board by former President Joe Biden in 2022, according to The Associated Press.
Her legal team says the move threatens the 112-year tradition of Federal Reserve independence, which economists broadly view as essential for the central bank to make politically difficult decisions — like raising interest rates to combat inflation.
“The unsubstantiated and unproven allegation that Governor Cook ‘potentially’ erred in filling out a mortgage form prior to her Senate confirmation — does not amount to ‘cause,’” her lawsuit argues.
If Trump’s firing is allowed to proceed, it would be the first time a president has ever removed a sitting Federal Reserve governor — and could open the door to politicizing future monetary policy decisions.
While the president cannot legally fire a Fed governor over a policy disagreement — such as whether or not to raise interest rates — the law does allow removal “for cause.”
Historically, that has been interpreted to mean misconduct like “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance,” and only for actions taken while in office.
Cook’s attorneys argue she has committed no such infraction and was denied due process, including a hearing to refute the allegations. They claim the effort is a politically motivated power grab.
The lawsuit says the charges are “just a pretext in order to effectuate her prompt removal and vacate a seat for President Trump to fill and forward his agenda to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve.”
Mortgage Allegations Spark Showdown
The accusations against Cook originated from Bill Pulte, Trump’s appointee to the agency that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Pulte has made similar accusations against Democratic political figures including Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James — both of whom have challenged or prosecuted Trump. Notably, he has ignored similar claims involving Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Trump ally now running for Senate.
Trump’s move to oust Cook is part of a broader pattern of asserting control over traditionally independent federal agencies. He has already removed leaders at the National Transportation Safety Board, Surface Transportation Board, EEOC, and others. He also seeks to reshape the Fed board’s voting majority, with Cook’s removal allowing him to appoint a fourth ally.
The Stakes for the Fed — and the Economy
Cook is one of seven members of the Fed’s board of governors, voting on interest rate decisions and helping oversee regulation of the U.S. banking system. She plays a key role in shaping the direction of economic policy at a time when the Fed’s benchmark interest rate stands at 4.3%, with pressure from Trump to reduce it.
Trump has made no secret of his demands, repeatedly insisting the Fed should cut rates to boost the economy — despite the Fed holding steady for five consecutive meetings.
He has pledged to only nominate Fed members who support lower interest rates. Already, he has tapped two Fed board members and recently nominated economic adviser Stephen Miran to replace Adriana Kugler, who stepped down on August 1.
A Supreme Court ruling on the case could have sweeping implications. In a recent opinion, the justices noted the Fed’s unique status as a “quasi-private entity,” suggesting it may deserve greater autonomy than other agencies. Still, earlier this year, the Court sided with Trump in other disputes over presidential removal powers.
With Cook’s fate in limbo, all eyes will be on the federal court’s ruling — and the broader fight over the future independence of one of the country’s most powerful economic institutions.
