By Obinna Uballa
A United States federal appeals court has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, rejecting the White House’s bid just hours before the central bank’s two-day policy meeting began.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, in a 2-1 ruling split along party lines on Monday, said Trump failed to provide due process and lacked sufficient cause to dismiss Cook, a Biden appointee and the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s Board of Governors.
Judges Bradley Garcia and Michelle Childs, writing for the majority, said Cook had not been given notice of the allegations against her or an opportunity to respond.
They added that Cook was likely to succeed in her claim that her removal violated both statutory protections and the Fifth Amendment’s due process clause. However, Judge Gregory Katsas dissented, siding with Trump’s argument that Cook was removed “for cause” based on allegations of mortgage fraud. Cook has not been charged with wrongdoing.
The ruling means Cook will take part in this week’s closely watched Fed meeting, where interest rate cuts are expected, reports said.
Rhe decision triggered a wave of mixed reactions online. Jason Frakk (@FrakkJason47117) wrote, “So a federal court just said ‘not so fast’ to someone’s attempt to clear the Fed board before a big interest rate meeting. Guess Governor Cook’s insights will be heard after all, at least for now.”
Others backed Trump’s effort. Aatif Astrologer (@CelestialAatif) argued, “The Fed needs to have diverse perspectives, especially in crucial meetings like this one. Supporting TRUMP’s decisions about Lisa Cook’s role on the board is vital for balanced decision-making!”
Skeptics like Kristi L. Talmadge (@KristiTalmadge) doubted the ruling would matter: “I doubt they are going to let Lisa Cook into tomorrow’s Federal Reserve meeting.”
Some users voiced sharper criticism. Barry P (@bp353404) posted, “Judicial coup has to stop … she should resign if she had any respect for herself or the country.” Another, 9FootCouch (@9FootCouch), questioned the legal limits on presidential authority: “What exactly would allow her to be fired by the Chief Executive of the country? Kind of strange she can’t be fired.”
