Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has initiated a lawsuit against President Trump following his attempt to remove her from office, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the central bank. Cook’s legal challenge, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., contests the president’s authority to dismiss her based on what she describes as „unsubstantiated allegations” of misconduct related to mortgage applications submitted prior to her Senate confirmation. The suit argues that Trump’s actions violate both her due process rights and the Federal Reserve Act, which is designed to shield Fed governors from political interference by stipulating they can only be removed for cause. This move underscores Cook’s refusal to resign and sets the stage for a legal battle over the independence of the Federal Reserve.
The controversy stems from allegations made by Bill Pulte, a Trump ally and director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, who accused Cook of mortgage fraud involving two properties she purchased in 2021. Pulte claimed that Cook misrepresented both properties as her primary residence to secure more favorable loan terms, though these transactions occurred before her appointment to the Fed. In response, Trump cited these accusations as grounds for dismissal, asserting a lack of confidence in her integrity. Cook’s lawsuit, however, frames the allegations as a pretext to vacate her seat and enable Trump to appoint a successor who would advance his agenda of influencing monetary policy, particularly amid his public pressure on the Fed to lower interest rates more aggressively.
The outcome of this legal dispute could have far-reaching implications for the autonomy of the Federal Reserve and the limits of presidential power over its governance. Cook is seeking judicial confirmation of her rightful position on the board, emphasizing the need to protect the institution’s congressionally mandated independence from political pressures. The lawsuit names not only Trump but also the Federal Reserve Board and Chair Jerome Powell, highlighting the broader institutional stakes. As the case unfolds, it will test the resilience of legal safeguards intended to insulate central bank officials from partisan actions, ensuring they can focus on their critical economic responsibilities without undue external influence.
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Forrás: https://www.npr.org/2025/08/28/nx-s1-5520674/lisa-cook-lawsuit-trump-fed.