Discredited Trump Adviser Navarro Attacks Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s Credibility

September 2, 2025

Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Board, has been targeted by Trump administration officials who labeled her a "DEI hire" despite her impressive academic and professional credentials. This comes as former President Trump announced plans to fire Cook based on unproven mortgage fraud allegations from 2021, before she joined the Fed. In response, Cook has filed a lawsuit arguing Trump lacks legal authority to remove her "for cause" without due process under the Federal Reserve Act.

Who is affected

Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook
Black women in leadership positions
The Federal Reserve as an independent institution
The public served by Federal Reserve policies
Future appointees to federal positions who may face similar scrutiny based on identity

What action is being taken

Cook is filing a lawsuit seeking a restraining order against her potential removal
Cook is continuing to carry out her responsibilities as a Federal Reserve Board member
Trump has announced plans to fire Cook citing unproven mortgage fraud allegations
Cook is defending her position based on the Federal Reserve Act's protections
Trump administration officials are publicly questioning Cook's qualifications

Why it matters

Cook's appointment represents historic progress in institutions that have traditionally excluded minority perspectives
Research shows Black women in leadership face disproportionate credibility challenges (55% report having their judgment questioned versus 39% of women overall)
The case highlights tensions between presidential authority and Federal Reserve independence
If successful, Trump would be the first president to fire a sitting Fed governor in the institution's 112-year history
The situation exemplifies a governing approach that values loyalty over expertise and qualifications

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint