Update:
Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook
On September 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb stopped President Trump from removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. In a preliminary injunction, the court held that the Federal Reserve Act’s “for cause” removal rule only applies to conduct while serving in office, not to issues from before Cook’s 2022 confirmation. The judge also concluded that forcing her out now would cause irreparable harm.
Cook will remain on the Fed Board while the case continues. The Trump administration has appealed, seeking to overturn the injunction before the Fed’s next policy meeting.
Prior to the Lawsuit
Dr. Lisa Cook is fighting back. She filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve Board to defend her seat from his political assault. A federal judge heard arguments last week on her request for declaratory and injunctive relief, but the court has yet to rule. Watch the video below to see why this case matters.
Original Article
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa D. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed Board, is facing new unsubstantiated scrutiny. Bill Pulte, the Trump-appointed head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has formally referred her to the Justice Department for possible investigation. He alleges that Cook signed two mortgages in 2021—one in Michigan and another in Georgia—each as a “primary residence.”
Soon after, President Trump called for Cook’s resignation.
Where Things Stand Now
- No charges have been filed.
- The Justice Department has not announced an investigation.
- The Federal Reserve has not commented.
- Cook herself has not made a public statement.
At this point, these are unsubstantiated allegations only.
Who Is Lisa Cook?
Cook is a highly respected economist, formerly a professor at Michigan State University. Her research on race, innovation, and economic growth has been widely cited, including her work showing how racial violence reduced Black patenting in the early 20th century. She joined the Federal Reserve Board in 2022 and was reappointed in 2023 to a term that runs until 2038.
Who Is Bill Pulte?
Pulte, confirmed in March 2025 as director of the FHFA, oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He comes from the well-known Pulte homebuilding family and has been active in philanthropy and public communications. In his official role, he referred Cook’s case to the DOJ based on mortgage documents he reviewed.
Why It Matters
The issue isn’t just about one mortgage dispute. It’s about the independence of the Federal Reserve. Calls for resignation—before any investigation or due process—highlight the political pressure surrounding the Fed during a highly charged moment.
If Cook were forced out, it would reshape the composition of the Fed’s policymaking board, with consequences for interest rates, jobs, and the economy as a whole.
Bottom line:
Lisa Cook is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Until facts are established by investigators or a court, she should be judged on her record, not on unproven allegations.
What happens here will reveal a great deal about how independent institutions operate under political pressure.
This isn’t resolved. It’s unfolding. Keep your eye on the facts, not just the headlines.
