Just months after the Supreme Court blocked President Donald Trump's quest to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, the White House issued a letter stating the administration again intends to pursue her termination.
"Pursuant to the Supreme Court's opinion from June 29, 2026, you are hereby provided notice that the President is considering removing you from your position on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve due to there being sufficient reason to believe that you made false statements on one or more mortgage agreements," according to the letter, dated Wednesday.
The false statements at issue are the same previous allegations that Cook made false claims on mortgage documents in 2021 that may have secured her more favorable loan terms.
Cook's legal team said it will fight this latest bid to fire her from the Fed's Board of Governors.
"These allegations are as baseless now as they were a year ago when President Trump tried to remove Governor Cook and interfere with the independence of the Federal Reserve," said Abbe D. Lowell, counsel for Cook. "No matter what President Trump tries to do next, this much is clear under the facts and Supreme Court precedent -- there is no valid cause for removing Governor Cook.
Cook launched her legal battle on Aug. 28 after Trump attempted to remove her from the Fed. She argued the attempt violated her right to due process, and that the government hadn't provided sufficient evidence to merit a removal "for cause," as required.
The Supreme Court upheld lower court rulings that Cook could continue serving at the central bank as her legal case challenging her potential termination moves forward.
The June ruling didn't decide whether the president may lawfully remove governor Cook for cause. Instead, it rejected the administration's bid to remove the sitting governor while litigation over the merits of the case moves forward. It was largely based on the fact that the president failed to afford Cook the notice, announcing the termination via social media, and some opportunity to respond before her termination.
"Without such protections, she could not properly dispute the charges the President laid against her," the opinion noted.
Wednesday's letter from the White House appears to be a bid to grant Cook that notification and right to due process that the courts initially ruled she had not received.
The letter notes Cook must provide a written response with an "explanation for your false statements and accompanying evidence" within 21 days.
"You have known since at least August 25, 2025, about these allegations. Yet, even though it has been over 10 months, you have never provided an explanation for this serious misconduct, despite having ample opportunity to do so," the letter notes. "Nevertheless, the Supreme Court recently determined that you are entitled to notice of the allegations against you and an opportunity to respond prior to your removal."
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