Supreme Court blocks Trump from immediately firing Fed governor

In a significant legal development, the US Supreme Court has temporarily halted former President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position. The court announced on Wednesday that it would defer the case until oral arguments are presented in January 2026, ensuring Cook remains in her role until then. Trump had sought to dismiss Cook earlier this year, accusing her of falsifying statements on her mortgage agreements—a claim Cook has vehemently denied. She subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging her dismissal, asserting she was not given a fair opportunity to address the allegations. A White House spokesperson responded to the court’s decision by stating the administration had acted lawfully and expressed confidence in prevailing during the Supreme Court hearing. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s governing board, was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate. Her term is set to last until 2038. The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a notable moment of resistance from the conservative-leaning bench, which has often aligned with Trump’s administration. The case has drawn widespread attention, with nearly 600 economists signing a letter in support of Cook and the Federal Reserve’s independence. Legal experts, including University of Richmond professor Carl Tobias, view the court’s decision as a positive but cautious step for Cook, emphasizing the importance of the Fed’s autonomy. The Federal Reserve, which operates under a congressional mandate to manage inflation and employment, recently voted to lower interest rates, a decision Cook supported. The delay in the case underscores the broader implications of political interference in the central bank’s operations.