Cook’s Lawyer Challenges Fairness of White House Removal Process
Lisa Cook’s lawyer disputes the makeup and timing of a White House hearing into allegations that could lead to her removal from the Fed.
Key takeaways
- Cook’s lawyer says the proposed hearing committee includes a member who has shown bias against her.
- Cook cannot attend the hearing set for Nov. 5 and says she could appear only after the Fed’s Dec. 8-9 meeting.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s lawyer challenged the fairness of a White House inquiry that could lead to her removal. The White House has set a Nov. 5 hearing before a three-person committee.
In a letter reported by Reuters, lawyer Abbe Lowell questioned the committee’s objectivity and said the allegations and timing for disclosure of evidence were unclear. He cited committee member Kevin Hassett, saying Hassett had previously pressed Cook to take leave and suggested President Donald Trump had “cause” to fire her.
Lowell said Cook could not attend on Nov. 5 because she would be in Europe for financial and monetary policy meetings. He said the earliest she could attend would be after the Fed’s Dec. 8-9 policy meeting.
Cook denies wrongdoing and has sued to keep her job. A Supreme Court ruling earlier this year barred Trump from firing a Fed governor at will, while outlining a process that could allow removal if the official receives a fair chance to review and challenge the evidence.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
