Washington: US President Donald Trump requested a federal judge on Friday to deny Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook's request for an injunction preventing the president from dismissing her, as her lawsuit against her dismissal is underway in court.
According to Anadolu Agency, in a separate filing, the Federal Reserve asked Judge Jia Cobb for a "prompt ruling" to resolve Cook's lawsuit challenging her dismissal by the president. The filings were made two hours before a scheduled hearing in the US District Court in Washington, DC, regarding Cook's request for a temporary restraining order to halt her removal.
Trump's attorneys argued in the filing that Cook's case is unlikely to succeed and that the president has the authority to determine if there is sufficient cause, as required by federal law, to remove a Federal Reserve Board governor. Cook's lawsuit claims that Trump dismissed her without cause.
On Thursday, Cook filed lawsuits against Trump, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. The lawsuit alleges that Trump fired her illegally, and she is seeking an injunction to remain employed while the case is pending. Powell and the Fed Board were included in the lawsuit as they would be responsible for executing Trump's dismissal plan.
The Federal Reserve stated on Tuesday that it would comply with any court decision regarding whether Trump can fire Cook. The dispute began on Monday when Trump announced Cook's dismissal, citing allegations of mortgage fraud. The president's decision followed a warning he issued to Cook last week, threatening her dismissal if she did not resign.
Cook, appointed to the Fed's Board of Governors by former President Joe Biden in 2022, has denied any misconduct and stated that she has "no intention of being bullied to step down."