Federal Reserve Governor Unlawful Dismissal Challenge

A pro-democracy lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s removal without cause of a Federal Reserve Governor.

Background

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook filed a lawsuit challenging her removal without cause by President Donald Trump. Cook, citing Supreme Court precedent, asserts the Federal Reserve is a “uniquely structured, quasi-private entity” that reserves removal only for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” The lawsuit argues her removal without cause violates the Federal Reserve Act and due process under the Fifth Amendment.

Why It Matters

Trump’s unprecedented removal of president-appointed, Senate-confirmed federal officials without cause represents a dangerous expansion of presidential powers. The Supreme Court already agreed to hear arguments in Slaughter v. Trump, in which the Court may overturn 90-year Supreme Court precedent upholding for-cause removal protections for independent agency boards and commissions. 

Latest Updates

• Jan. 21, 2026: The Supreme Court will hear arguments.
• Nov. 19, 2025: Cook and the Trump administration filed supplemental briefs.
• Oct. 1, 2025: The Supreme Court allowed Cook to remain in her role pending the Court’s ruling on the case.
• Sept. 18, 2025: The Trump administration filed an emergency application seeking a pause on Cook’s reinstatement pending the D.C. Circuit’s resolution of the preliminary injunction appeal.
• Sept. 15, 2025: The D.C. Circuit denied the Trump administration’s request to pause her reinstatement pending appeal.
• Sept. 9, 2025: The district court granted Cook’s motion for preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order, ordering her reinstatement. The Trump administration appealed to the D.C. Circuit.
• Aug. 29, 2025: The court heard arguments on Cook’s motion for a temporary restraining order.
• Aug. 28, 2025: Cook filed her complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order.