Trump’s attempted removal of Cook is likely to result in a protracted legal fight. Cook is being represented by Abbe Lowell, a prominent Washington, D.C., attorney, who said in a statement that Trump’s “reflex to bully is flawed and his demands lack any proper process, basis, or legal authority.”
By Thursday, Cook had officially filed a lawsuit challenging her termination, naming both Trump and Chairman Powell as well as the Fed board as defendants. In the filing, Cook denounces the president’s attempt to remove her as “unprecedented and illegal,” alleging that Trump is violating her right to due process and right to a hearing under the Federal Reserve Act. Cook’s lawsuit also extensively cites Trump’s past criticism of the Federal Reserve, claiming that her firing is an example of the president trying to exert his control over the independent agency.
On the subject of the mortgage fraud claims against her, the filing says Cook “was never given any opportunity to respond to the allegations before the criminal referral was sent” and describes them as “unsubstantiated.”
Politico reports that Cook’s case was assigned to Jia Cobb, a U.S. District Court judge in Washington, D.C. appointed by President Joe Biden.
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