Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Attempt to Remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected former President Donald Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, marking a significant victory for central bank independence. Trump's legal team argued Cook could be removed "for cause" based on uncharged mortgage fraud allegations, claiming no judicial review was necessary—a position that drew sharp rebukes from justices across the ideological spectrum.

Justice BRETT Kavanaugh warned the argument would "weaken, if not shatter" Fed independence if presidents could unilaterally define "cause" for removal. The case centered on interpretation of the Federal Reserve Act, which protects governors from political interference by only permitting removal for malfeasance during their term.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson challenged the administration's lack of concrete evidence, while conservative Justice Samuel Alito questioned the procedural rush. Cook's presence on the Fed board continues as the legal battle returns to lower courts.