The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump from immediately removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, as a legal battle unfolds over the independence of the central bank.
In an order, the Court deferred Trump’s request “pending oral argument in January 2026,” ensuring that Cook will remain in her post until the case is heard.
Trump had sought to fire Cook, a member of the Fed’s seven-person governing board, alleging that she falsified statements on her mortgage agreements. Cook challenged the move in court, arguing she was denied the opportunity to contest the allegations.
Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s board, also holds a permanent seat on the central bank’s rate-setting committee. She is slated to remain in her role until 2038.
Trump’s criticism of the Fed’s decision to maintain high interest rates amid persistent inflation has fueled concerns about central bank independence. Nearly 600 economists recently voiced support for Cook and the Fed’s autonomy in a public letter.
A Fed spokesperson referred AFP to an August statement, emphasizing that the institution will “abide by any court decision.”
The Supreme Court’s decision represents a rare check on the former president by a conservative-majority court, highlighting the judiciary’s role in preserving institutional independence.
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