Attorney raises fairness concerns over President Trump's Fed governor inquiry

An attorney for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has questioned the fairness of President Donald Trump's committee that is probing alleged mortgage-fraud violations involving the central bank's leadership. In a letter to the president's aide Will Scharf, lawyer Abbe Lowell said the panel includes "demonstrably biased members" and references unspecified additional allegations, which he argues must be resolved before any hearing can proceed. Lowell also noted that Cook would be unavailable for the scheduled November 5 hearing due to commitments at monetary-policy meetings in Europe, suggesting the earliest possible date for a hearing would be in December after the Federal Open Market Committee convenes.

President Trump previously described Cook as "dishonest" and an "automatic no vote" in remarks to reporters after a rally in Tennessee. The White House, through spokesperson Matthew Middleton, responded that the president is "performing his constitutional duty" by evaluating Cook's conduct and eligibility to remain on the Fed board, emphasizing that the Constitution requires the president to ensure that the conduct of board members is "above reproach."

The committee, established by a presidential memo on Oct. 7, comprises three executive-branch officials, including senior economic adviser Kevin Hassett, who has publicly suggested the president has cause to remove Cook. Lowell argued that Hassett's prior comments indicate a prejudgment that undermines the panel's objectivity. Cook's legal team indicated she is willing to present facts at a hearing but highlighted scheduling conflicts and the need for additional preparation time. The White House has not confirmed whether the hearing date will be adjusted.