The RecordExhibit 43
Tried to fire a Federal Reserve governor
Ruled unlawful means: A court ruled against it. Some rulings are on appeal.
Trump moved to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook, the first attempt to oust a sitting governor in the Federal Reserve's 112-year history.
What happened
He cited mortgage fraud allegations that Cook denies and that have not been proven. He also fired Democratic members of independent commissions such as the FTC, which is covered in a separate entry.
Where it stands
In September 2025 Judge Jia Cobb ruled that the firing likely violated the Federal Reserve Act, because the allegations concern conduct from before Cook joined the Fed, and her right to due process, because she got no notice or chance to respond. She ordered that Cook stay on the board, and an appeals court left that order in place. On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that Cook stays while her case continues, finding she had not been given notice and a chance to respond before she was fired. These rulings are not final. They keep Cook in office while her lawsuit continues, and the Supreme Court did not decide whether the president has cause to remove her. On Aug. 5, 2026, the White House sent Cook a letter saying Trump was considering removing her over the same allegations and giving her until Aug. 26 to respond. She responded, and as of Oct. 1 the White House had not said publicly what it will do. Her lawsuit is still before Judge Cobb. The same day as its Cook ruling, the Supreme Court allowed the firing of FTC commissioner Rebecca Slaughter in a separate case.
The administration's side
The administration says the mortgage allegations are cause for removal and called the lower-court block improper judicial interference with the president's authority. After the Supreme Court ruled, Trump said the court had sent the case back 'on a strictly procedural basis' and vowed further action against Cook.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/cook/