U.S. Stock Futures Drop Amid Political Turmoil Over Fed Governor’s Ouster Attempt

U.S. stock futures declined early Tuesday following President Donald Trump's abrupt MOVE to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, sparking a legal and political standoff. Nasdaq 100 (NDX), S&P 500 (SPX), and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures fell 0.16%, 0.15%, and 0.20% respectively, as markets reacted to heightened uncertainty around central bank independence.

Governor Cook defiantly challenged the dismissal, asserting TRUMP lacks legal authority to oust her—a stance that amplifies existing policy fragility. The confrontation arrives amid cooling rate-cut expectations, with major indices closing lower Monday: Dow (-0.8%), S&P 500 (-0.4%), and Nasdaq (-0.2%).

Investors now await durable goods orders, consumer confidence data, and remarks from Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin for directional cues. The episode underscores mounting institutional tensions that could Ripple across asset classes, including cryptocurrencies traditionally sensitive to macroeconomic instability.