Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, challenging his attempt to remove her from office in a case that could test the independence of the US central bank.
In her filing, Cook asked the court to declare Trump’s dismissal order “unlawful and void.” She also named Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the Board of Governors as defendants, arguing that the president’s action violated the legal protections afforded to members of the Federal Reserve Board.
Trump has said he had “sufficient reason” to believe Cook made false statements regarding her mortgage, and cited constitutional powers he claims allow him to remove her.
The case comes amid escalating tensions between Trump and the Federal Reserve. The president has repeatedly criticized the central bank, accusing it of resisting his push for lower interest rates. As a member of the Board of Governors, Cook plays a key role in setting US monetary policy.
