Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook has sued President Donald Trump over his attempt to fire her, setting up a potential legal battle with implications for the US central bank's autonomy.
Cook has asked the court to declare Trump's firing order unlawful and void, and also named Fed Chairman Jerome Powell as defendant.
Trump has stated there was sufficient reason to believe Cook had made false statements on her mortgage, citing constitutional powers that he argues allow him to dismiss her. Cook, however, insists that no cause exists under the law for her removal.
As part of the board responsible for setting interest rates in the US, Cook's lawsuit will likely raise significant legal issues possibly culminating at the US Supreme Court.
Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, claimed that this case challenges Trump’s unprecedented attempt to remove her and that such an action would conflict with the Federal Reserve Act, which mandates the demonstration of cause for a governor's dismissal.
According to a White House spokesperson, Trump exercised his legal authority based on credible accusations against Cook of lying on financial documents.
The president's allegations against Cook originated from Bill Pulte, a housing finance regulator and Trump ally, who accused Cook of falsely certifying information on her mortgage applications.
Although no formal charges have been leveled against her, the lawsuit does not address these specific allegations. Cook remains confident in her position, as pressures mount from Trump, who has expressed frustration with the Fed’s interest rate policies.
Cook is one of the seven members of the Fed’s board, which plays a crucial role in the monetary policy that impacts borrowing rates and overall economic stability in the US.
