NewsNBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – PoliticsJune 29, 2026United States
Supreme Court Blocks President Trump from Firing Federal Reserve Governor
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that President Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook without cause. The decision maintains the independence of the central bank by upholding the 'for-cause' removal protection for Fed governors.
Read the full story at NBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – PoliticsWhy It Matters
This ruling prevents the President from unilaterally replacing Federal Reserve leadership, ensuring that interest rate policy remains insulated from direct political control.
Key Facts
- The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the President cannot fire a Federal Reserve governor without cause.
- Lisa Cook remains in her position as a Federal Reserve governor while her legal challenge continues.
- The Court distinguished between Fed governors, who have 'for-cause' protection, and other agency heads, whom the President may fire at will.
- The Federal Reserve Act requires 'for-cause' removal, defined as malfeasance or dereliction of duty.
- President Trump alleged Lisa Cook committed mortgage fraud regarding primary residence declarations in 2021; Cook denies these allegations.
- No U.S. President has fired a sitting Federal Reserve governor in the 112-year history of the institution.
- The majority opinion was authored by Chief Justice John Roberts and joined by Justices Kavanaugh, Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson.
- Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, and Barrett dissented from the ruling.
- President Trump indicated he intends to continue seeking Cook's removal through other means.
Who's Mentioned
personLisa Cook“Federal Reserve governor who challenged her firing by President Trump.”personBrett Kavanaugh“Supreme Court Justice who joined the majority opinion.”personClarence Thomas“Supreme Court Justice who dissented.”personSamuel Alito“Supreme Court Justice who dissented.”personNeil Gorsuch“Supreme Court Justice who dissented.”personElena Kagan“Supreme Court Justice who joined the majority opinion.”personSonia Sotomayor“Supreme Court Justice who joined the majority opinion.”personJerome Powell“Former Federal Reserve chairman.”personAmy Coney Barrett“Supreme Court Justice who dissented.”personJohn Roberts“Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who wrote the majority opinion.”personKevin Warsh“Current Federal Reserve chairman.”personKetanji Brown Jackson“Supreme Court Justice who joined the majority opinion.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States who attempted to remove Lisa Cook.”