Trump’s administration moved to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that temporarily blocked his attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, according to Reuters. The Justice Department filed a one-sentence notice Wednesday saying it would challenge Judge Jia Cobb’s decision to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, ahead of the Fed’s September 16th to 17th policy meeting. Cobb ruled Tuesday that Trump’s allegations of pre-confirmation mortgage fraud were likely insufficient grounds for removal and that keeping Cook in place preserved the Fed’s independence. Cook, who denies wrongdoing, filed suit in August, arguing that Trump’s move was politically motivated over her policy stance. The case, which may reach the Supreme Court, is the first to test whether a president can fire a Fed governor, an office designed to be shielded from political pressure.
