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“Trump’s unprecedented removal of US Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook comes amid his criticism that the central bank’s high interest rates hurt his economic agenda
If Trump succeeds in removing Lisa Cook, he will be able to nominate her successor, potentially reshaping the Fed’s governing board for the next several years. (AP/File)
President Donald Trump on Monday abruptly removed Lisa Cook from her position as a governor of the US Federal Reserve Board, effective immediately. Cook, who has not faced any accusations or convictions, said her dismissal lacks legal justification and confirmed she has no intention of resigning.
This unprecedented move by Trump comes amidst his outspoken criticism of the Federal Reserve for not reducing interest rates, which he believes undermines his efforts to strengthen the US economy.
Cook, the first black woman to serve as a Fed governor, stated, “President Trump attempted to dismiss me ‘with reason’, while there is no such reason under the law. He has no right to do so.” She affirmed, “I will not resign. I will continue to perform my duties to help the US economy, as I have been doing since 2022.”
Cook, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, has engaged high-profile lawyer Abbe Lowell to represent her. Cook previously held positions at the US Treasury and the White House under former President Barack Obama.
Lowell commented, “President Trump has once again resorted to social media to ‘attack via tweet’ and once again his threatening response is flawed. His demands lack any due process, basis, or legal authority.” He emphasised, “We will take whatever action is necessary to stop his illegal action.”
He said that Cook plans to file a lawsuit challenging her dismissal. A Federal Reserve spokesman did not immediately comment on Trump’s letter.
This episode could lead to a prolonged legal battle, with significant stakes including the credibility of the US dollar as the world’s safe currency.
The Federal Reserve And Its Board of Governors
The US Federal Reserve comprises 12 reserve banks, each with a president, and a seven-member board of governors. The Fed has five key roles: conducting US monetary policy, promoting financial system stability, supervising and regulating financial institutions, promoting the safety and efficiency of payment and settlement systems, and promoting consumer protection and community development.
The Board of Governors, an agency of the US federal government, plays a crucial role in guiding the operations of the Federal Reserve System and overseeing the reserve banks. Its members are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, but the board reports to and is directly accountable to Congress.
Allegations Against Cook
Trump has accused Cook of making false statements regarding loans on two houses in 2021.
He wrote, “For example, as detailed in the criminal referral, you signed a document certifying that a property in Michigan would be your primary residence for the next year.”
He continued, “Two weeks later you signed another document for a property in Georgia, stating that it would be your primary residence for the next year.”
Trump claimed that it is unthinkable that Cook was not aware of her first commitment when she made the second.
He concluded, “Given your deceptive and potentially criminal conduct in financial matters, the American people cannot trust your honesty and neither do I. At a minimum, this conduct demonstrates gross negligence in financial transactions, which calls into question your qualifications and credibility as a financial regulator.” Interest rates on loans for houses designated as primary residences in the US are low.
Legality Of Trump’s Move
Under the Federal Reserve Act, each member holds office for a term of fourteen years from the expiration of their predecessor’s term, unless removed earlier by the president for cause. ‘Cause’ typically means misbehaviour or incapacity while in office.
Trump stated, “I have found that sufficient cause exists to remove you from office.”
In a statement issued through her lawyers, Cook maintained that Trump had attempted to fire her without any legal cause or authority. Questions arise whether Cook can be fired while the investigation is pending and if Trump has sufficient evidence to claim ’cause.’
Historically, the US central bank has been shielded from direct political actions, and the US Supreme Court indicated this May that it is willing to provide broader protections to Fed governors.
The court stated, “The Federal Reserve is a uniquely structured, quasi-private entity that follows the distinguished historical tradition of America’s First and Second Banks.”
Potential Outcome If Cook Is Removed
If Trump succeeds in removing Cook, he will be able to nominate her successor, potentially reshaping the Fed’s governing board for the next several years. Fed governors typically serve 14-year terms. Two of the current seven governors, Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, were appointed by Trump. Trump appointed Jerome Powell as the chairman of the Federal Reserve in 2017.
As of Monday, the Board of Governors had six members, including Cook, with one seat vacant following Adriana Kugler’s resignation earlier this month. Trump has nominated Stephen Miran, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, to fill Kugler’s place. If Miran’s appointment is confirmed by the Senate and Trump succeeds in removing Cook and appointing her successor, Trump will secure a 4-3 majority on the board.
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