Trump Appeals Ruling in Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook Case: Details

President Donald Trump’s legal team filed an appeal late Sunday challenging a federal district court’s preliminary injunction that halted his effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The injunction, issued on September 9, temporarily reinstated Cook after Trump sought to dismiss her on August 25 over alleged “deceitful and potentially criminal conduct” tied to mortgage agreements.

In its filing, the Department of Justice, representing the president, argued that when Congress grants the president authority to remove an official “for cause” without defining specific causes, the decision rests entirely within presidential discretion and is “not subject to judicial review.” 

The administration maintains that this broad standard shields Trump’s action from court oversight.

Legal Battle Over Presidential Removal Powers

Cook countered that her removal exceeded presidential authority and violated her constitutional right to due process, a stance that won her the initial injunction. The dispute has sparked fresh debate over the limits of presidential power and the independence of the central bank—an institution meant to operate free from political pressure.

The administration’s case suffered a potential setback over the weekend when NBC reported the emergence of a 2021 loan summary supporting Cook’s mortgage disclosures. The document indicates that her Atlanta property was declared as a vacation home, aligning with her statements and casting doubt on allegations of misrepresentation. 

Legal analysts suggest the evidence could undermine the government’s claim of fraud, complicating Trump’s appeal.

New Evidence and Federal Policy Meeting

The controversy comes as the Federal prepares for a closely watched policy meeting on Wednesday. Futures markets tracked by CME show a 96.4% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut to a target range of 4.0%-4.25%, with only a slim chance of a larger half-point reduction. It would mark the first rate cut since December 2024, a move anticipated by many traders but not necessarily the start of a rapid easing cycle.

Meanwhile, speculation is building over who might lead the Federal when Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends in May. BlackRock executive Rick Rieder is reportedly rising on the shortlist of potential successors, according to Bloomberg.

As the legal battle intensifies and monetary policy hangs in the balance, investors are weighing both the implications for central bank independence and the near-term outlook for the U.S. dollar.