Trump Again Tries to Oust Fed Governor Cook Over Mortgage Allegations

President Donald Trump is again attempting to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The White House sent Cook a letter on August 5, stating that there was sufficient reason to believe she made false statements on her mortgage agreements. The allegations stem from a criminal referral in August 2025 by Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which alleged Cook committed mortgage fraud by listing two homes as primary residences to obtain lower interest rates.

Cook's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, has denied the allegations, stating they are 'as baseless now as they were a year ago.' The White House's attempt comes after the Supreme Court blocked Trump from immediately firing Cook in June. This is not the first time Trump has tried to remove Cook; he had also waged an aggressive campaign to pressure former Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to lower interest rates.

The letter claims that the allegations affect Cook's honesty, trustworthiness, and competence to perform her duties as a Board member. The White House determined there was reason to believe the allegations constitute cause for removal. However, Cook's lawyer has stated they will challenge this latest attempt and preserve her position.