Trump renews bid to oust Fed governor after Supreme Court cleared procedural hurdle

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has formally restarted his effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, according to a report published by ABC News, weeks after the Supreme Court ruled that she must first be given notice and an opportunity to respond before any dismissal.

The White House has now reportedly delivered that notice, giving Cook three weeks to answer allegations tied to mortgage documents before Trump decides whether to proceed.

Trump follows court roadmap

According to sources familiar with the matter, the White House informed Cook this week that Trump is considering removing her for "gross negligence."

The letter, signed by Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, reportedly argues that allegations surrounding Cook's past mortgage paperwork call into question her fitness to remain on the Federal Reserve Board.

Cook has denied any wrongdoing and has never been charged with a crime. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, dismissed the allegations as baseless and said the administration was once again trying to remove a Federal Reserve governor "on a manufactured pretext."

He said Cook would challenge any attempt to remove her.

Supreme Court sets one condition

Trump's latest move follows the Supreme Court's June ruling, which rejected Trump's earlier attempt to remove Cook immediately but did not prevent him from trying again.

In a 5-4 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that Cook must first receive notice of the allegations and be allowed to respond before any final decision.

The justices did not determine whether the accusations themselves justified removal, leaving that question for future litigation if Trump proceeds.

Another courtroom fight looms

Trump first sought Cook's removal last year while escalating pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.

Federal judges blocked that effort, citing longstanding protections designed to shield the central bank from political influence.

If Trump moves ahead after Cook's response, courts will likely have to decide whether the administration has shown sufficient legal cause to remove a sitting Federal Reserve governor.

Cook has three weeks to respond before the White House decides whether to proceed with her removal.