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Supreme Court 5-4 Blocks Trump’s Oust of Fed’s Cook

7/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that President Donald Trump failed to give Governor Lisa Cook notice before attempting her removal.
The Court let Cook stay on the Federal Reserve (Fed) Board while her lawsuit proceeds.
Chief Justice John Roberts said the ruling rests on grounds and does not define “cause” under Federal Reserve Act.
Administration officials will pursue a removal process for Cook and target the vacant Atlanta Fed presidency.

History

Historical Context

The 1978 Ethics in Government Act created independent counsels after Watergate, and the Rehnquist Court’s 1986 Bowsher decision expanded separation-of-powers arguments. In 1988 the Court upheld the Act by a 6-3 vote in Morrison v. Olson, protecting five of eight independent-counsel posts. The ruling guides later cases like Seila Law (2020) and Collins v. Yellen (2021) on Federal Reserve removal.

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Story summary

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that President Donald Trump failed to give Governor Lisa Cook notice before attempting her removal.
The Court let Cook stay on the Federal Reserve (Fed) Board while her lawsuit proceeds.
Chief Justice John Roberts said the ruling rests on grounds and does not define “cause” under Federal Reserve Act.
Administration officials will pursue a removal process for Cook and target the vacant Atlanta Fed presidency.

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