Supreme Court Signals Reluctance to Allow Trump to Remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook
Supreme Court justices signaled skepticism of President Trump's authority to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook, emphasizing due process and protecting Federal Reserve independence and markets.
Overview
President Trump sought to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in August, citing alleged mortgage fraud; Cook denies wrongdoing and was not criminally charged.
The Supreme Court heard nearly two hours of emergency oral argument in Washington, D.C., weighing whether Cook can remain while lower‑court litigation proceeds.
Justices across ideological lines pressed the solicitor general about inadequate notice, the definition of “for cause,” and courts' authority to review or reinstate removed officials.
Several conservatives, notably Kavanaugh and Roberts, warned that unchecked removals would weaken Fed independence and could destabilize markets and long‑term monetary policy credibility.
The court may issue a rapid emergency ruling or remand for hearings; any decision will shape presidential removal power and the Fed’s political insulation.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the coverage as a defense of Fed independence by emphasizing judicial skepticism of Trump's removal, using evaluative terms (e.g., "unprecedented," "wary"), prioritizing quotes from justices and Fed defenders, highlighting procedural concerns and economic risks, while presenting administration claims as contested source content.
Sources (33)
FAQ
President Trump cited alleged mortgage fraud and 'deceitful and potentially criminal conduct' in seeking to remove her in August 2025; Cook denies the allegations and has not been criminally charged.
Lisa D. Cook is an economist, the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors since 2022, with a PhD from UC Berkeley, prior roles at Michigan State University, Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers, and experience in international economics.
Justices across ideologies questioned inadequate notice, the definition of 'for cause' removal, courts' review authority, and warned that unchecked removals could undermine Fed independence, destabilize markets, and harm monetary policy credibility.
Federal law allows removal of Fed governors only 'for cause' to protect the central bank's independence from political interference.
The Court may issue a rapid emergency ruling allowing Cook to remain during litigation, or remand for lower-court hearings; the decision will impact presidential removal powers and Fed insulation.
History
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