Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Approval to Remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook
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Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow the immediate removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, escalating a constitutional clash over presidential authority. As of September 18, 2025, the Court has not yet scheduled a ruling.
The administration argues that the president’s decision to remove an official “for cause” cannot be reviewed by the courts. The Justice Department’s filing cites allegations of mortgage fraud, though recently disclosed documents indicate that Cook has “done nothing wrong.” Her defenders
say the case is a politically motivated effort to weaken the Federal Reserve’s independence.
Legal experts warn that if the Court sides with the administration, it could expand presidential power in ways that undermine checks and balances, especially for independent agencies designed to resist partisan pressure.
The dispute has sparked a wave of commentary online. Critics on social media warn of “a direct threat to the Fed’s independence” and describe the move as “a power grab disguised as accountability.” Supporters of Trump counter that the president must retain authority to remove officials accused of misconduct without judicial interference.
Some lawmakers fear that if the Supreme Court rejects the administration’s request, Trump could pressure House Republicans to pursue impeachment of the Chief Justice—a step that would push the crisis into uncharted constitutional territory.
Cook, appointed in 2022 and the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, has drawn praise for her professionalism and independent judgment. Her allies argue those qualities make her a target for political removal.
For now, the case sits before a Supreme Court already under scrutiny for its role in refereeing disputes between the White House and independent institutions. A decision to hear or reject the administration’s request will shape not only Cook’s future, but also the balance of power between the presidency, the courts, and the agencies that underpin U.S. governance.