U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Trump's Firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to temporarily block President Donald Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, allowing her to remain on the board while her lawsuit challenging the dismissal proceeds. Trump had attempted to remove Cook over mortgage fraud allegations, which she denies, amid tensions over Fed independence. The Court found Trump lacked proper procedural protections under the Federal Reserve Act, reinforcing the central bank's autonomy and marking a significant legal limit on presidential authority over independent agencies.
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Supreme Court grants Trump broad power to fire agency heads, except at Federal Reserve
In two landmark decisions, the U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority granted President Donald Trump broad authority to fire heads of previously independent federal agencies, reversing a 90-year-old precedent. Chief Justice John Roberts authored both rulings. In the more significant 6-3 decision, the court allowed Trump to fire Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Kelly Slaughter at will, striking down a law requiring cause for dismissal. In a separate 5-4 ruling, the court temporarily blocked Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, appearing to carve out an exception for the central bank. Critics warned the rulings dismantle regulatory independence and could allow presidents to fire lower-level civil service experts. Slaughter said the decision would replace watchdogs with 'lap dogs,' while Cook celebrated her narrow victory. Trump signaled he would continue fighting the Federal Reserve case. Legal analysts said the rulings massively expand presidential power.
TheWeek feedUS Supreme Court Rulings Grant Trump Greater Power to Dismiss Independent Officials, Except Fed Governors
The US Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that President Donald Trump has the authority to dismiss officials of independent federal agencies without cause, overturning a 90-year-old legal standard. The ruling stems from the case of Rebecca Slaughter, a Commerce Department employee fired in March 2025 as part of Elon Musk's DOGE initiative, which reduced federal workforce by over 270,000. Chief Justice John Roberts stated the president needs subordinates he can trust and that accountability flows from the president to the people. In a separate 5-4 ruling, the court blocked Trump's dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, ruling that stricter procedures apply to central bank governors. Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned the ruling grants the president authority 'unknown even to the English Crown,' elevating him above co-equal branches of government.
taz.de - taz.deThe Supreme Court Gave Trump Almost Everything He Wanted
In two landmark rulings, the Supreme Court delivered mixed outcomes for President Trump's authority over independent federal agencies. In Trump v. Cook, a 5-4 majority held that President Trump cannot summarily fire a Federal Reserve governor without cause, protecting the central bank's independence due to its unique role. Chief Justice Roberts wrote for the majority, which included Justice Kavanaugh and the three liberal justices. However, in Trump v. Slaughter, the court's conservative majority ruled 6-3 that Trump can fire Democratic appointees at the Federal Trade Commission, overturning the 1935 Humphrey's Executor precedent that had shielded leaders of financial regulators from dismissal without cause. The decision is seen as a victory for the conservative legal movement's efforts to reduce agency independence. The three liberal justices dissented, arguing the ruling upends a century of established practice. The rulings follow Trump's broader push to exert more direct control over federal agencies since returning to power.
The New RepublicTwo Supreme Court Rulings Create Contradictory Standards on Presidential Firing Power
The American Prospect’s David Dayen analyzes two Supreme Court rulings released simultaneously on June 29, 2026, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, which are deemed logically irreconcilable. In Trump v. Slaughter, the Court overturned 91 years of precedent from Humphrey’s Executor (1935), ruling that presidents can fire executive branch appointees at will, including members of independent agencies like the FTC, effectively eliminating for-cause removal protections. However, in Trump v. Cook, the Court upheld the for-cause removal protection for Federal Reserve governors, citing a 'long tradition of independent central banking' and arguing that at-will removal would be an 'interpretive leap.' Dayen argues this carve-out for the Fed, while stripping protections from agencies handling corporate accountability and labor law, reveals the outsized influence of money power in America. The article also notes a separate ruling preserving Mississippi’s law allowing post-election receipt of mail ballots, suggesting five votes on the Court support state control of election laws.
The American ProspectSupreme Court Blocks Trump's Attempt to Fire Fed Governor; Warsh Emerges as Key Beneficiary
The Supreme Court ruled against President Trump's attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, blocking his effort to fire her. The ruling has broader implications for Fed independence, with Chairman Kevin Warsh emerging as the primary beneficiary. The decision affords Warsh more operational latitude independent of the president who appointed him, strengthening the Fed's autonomy in monetary policy decisions. This legal setback for Trump reinforces the institutional independence of the Federal Reserve and limits executive interference in the central bank's governance.
WSJ.com: PoliticsSupreme Court Rules Trump Cannot Fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook for Now
On June 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that President Donald Trump does not currently have the authority to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The court rejected Trump's emergency appeal to pause a lower court ruling that blocked her termination while her lawsuit proceeds. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, emphasizing the importance of the Federal Reserve's independence and that any change must come from Congress. However, the ruling leaves open the possibility that Trump could attempt to fire Cook again with proper due process. In a separate ruling on the same day, the court expanded presidential power by affirming Trump's firing of FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter.
US Top News and AnalysisSupreme Court Upholds Fed Independence by Saving Lisa Cook’s Job, Averting U.S. Debt Crisis
The article analyzes the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the independence of the Federal Reserve by preserving the position of Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The author argues that both the fact and the appearance of independence are crucial to the Fed's design and market credibility. By protecting Cook's tenure, the Court prevented political interference that could have undermined the central bank's ability to manage inflation and debt markets. The ruling is framed as a critical safeguard for U.S. financial stability, averting a potential crisis in sovereign debt by reinforcing investor confidence in the Fed's operational autonomy from the executive branch.
Fortune | FORTUNESupreme Court Rules President Can Fire FTC Members but Not Federal Reserve Board Members
The U.S. Supreme Court issued two related rulings on June 29, 2026, clarifying the scope of presidential removal power over federal officials. In Trump v. Slaughter, the Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump could fire Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, overturning the 1935 precedent Humphrey's Executor v. United States. However, in Trump v. Cook, the Court ruled 5-4 that the president cannot fire Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook without cause and due process, citing the Federal Reserve's unique historical status and need for independence. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote both opinions, arguing that executive branch subordinates must be removable by the president for accountability, but the Fed requires special protections. The rulings strengthen unitary executive theory while preserving the Federal Reserve's independence, sparking debate about democratic accountability and executive power.
Reason.comSupreme Court expands presidential power to fire agency heads but shields Fed Governor Lisa Cook for now
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling expanding presidential power to fire heads of independent federal agencies without cause, overturning a 91-year-old precedent (Humphrey's Executor). However, the court made an exception for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, allowing her to remain in her position while she challenges her firing over allegations of mortgage fraud, which she denies. The 6-3 conservative majority held that removal protections violate constitutional separation of powers. In a 5-4 vote, the justices rejected the Trump administration's attempt to oust Cook immediately, citing the need for judicial checks on Fed removals. The decision impacts agencies including the FTC, NLRB, and CPSC, while the Fed retains unique protections. Critics argue the ruling grants unprecedented presidential control, potentially affecting U.S. interest rate policy and financial markets.
Fortune | FORTUNEUS Supreme Court Blocks Trump from Firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
In a landmark 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, reaffirming the central bank's independence from political interference. The ruling blocked Trump's attempt to dismiss Cook amid accusations of false statements on a mortgage application and broader White House criticism of the Fed's interest rate policy. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, stating that allowing the removal would set a precedent for presidents to fire Fed members at any time without cause or judicial review. The decision specifically protected the Fed under a 'good reason' standard, distinguishing it from a separate ruling that upheld Trump's actions at the Federal Trade Commission. The case had sparked market turbulence and drew a joint statement from former Fed chairs Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan warning against eroding central bank independence. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed board, remains on the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee.
City AMUS Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Unprecedented Bid to Fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook
The US Supreme Court on Monday, June 29, 2026, rejected President Donald Trump's unprecedented attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The Court upheld a lower court ruling that the president lacked the authority to remove the central bank official without proven cause. Trump had cited unproven mortgage fraud allegations in his effort to oust Cook from the Federal Reserve Board. The decision is a significant legal and political victory for the independence of the Federal Reserve, affirming that the president cannot dismiss Fed governors at will but must demonstrate a valid cause for removal. The case was closely watched as a test of presidential power over independent federal agencies.
The Business TimesUS Supreme Court rejects Trump’s unprecedented bid to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook
On June 29, 2026, the US Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump's unprecedented attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Trump had cited unproven mortgage fraud allegations as grounds for her removal. The Court ruled that the president does not have the authority to dismiss a central bank official without cause, upholding the Federal Reserve's independence. The decision marks a significant legal and political development regarding executive power over independent agencies. The case was closely watched for its implications on the Fed's monetary policy autonomy.
The Business TimesSupreme Court Blocks Trump's Attempt to Fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on June 29, 2026, blocking President Donald Trump's unprecedented attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, the first Black woman on the Fed board. The decision preserved the central bank's independence for now. Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the three liberal justices in the majority. Trump had claimed Cook committed mortgage fraud with two primary residences. Cook refused to step down and sued, arguing Trump had no cause or authority to fire her. Lower courts had prevented her dismissal during the case. The Department of Justice asked the Supreme Court to stay that ruling, but it refused. Justice Roberts wrote that the president violated Cook's statutory procedural protections. The case now returns to lower court. Separately, the same day the Court gave Trump broader power over independent agencies in an unrelated case.
The New RepublicUS Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Trump from Firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
In a 5-4 decision on June 29, 2026, the US Supreme Court blocked President Donald Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, preserving the central bank's independence for now. The ruling was split along ideological lines, with conservative Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joining the three liberal justices. Trump had attempted to remove Cook, the first Black woman on the Fed board, over allegations of mortgage fraud, which Cook denies. A lower court had previously ruled she could not be dismissed while her case proceeded. The Department of Justice asked the Supreme Court to stay that ruling but was refused. Roberts wrote that the president failed to provide Cook the procedural protections she was entitled to by statute. The case will now return to lower court. Separately, the Court ruled Monday that Trump had authority to fire another independent agency official, Rebecca Slaughter, marking a major shift in federal power.
The New RepublicSupreme Court Blocks Trump from Firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
On June 29, 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 along ideological lines to block President Donald Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the court's three liberal justices in the decision. The ruling preserved the independence of the central bank for now. Cook, the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve board, was appointed by former President Joe Biden and her term is set to expire in 2038. In August 2025, Trump attempted to fire Cook over baseless allegations of mortgage fraud involving two primary residencies. Cook refused to step down and sued, stating the president had no authority to fire her without cause. The case will now return to a lower court for further proceedings. The ruling stands in contrast to a separate Supreme Court decision that same week, which granted the president greater power over independent agencies by allowing Trump to fire FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter.
The New RepublicSupreme Court Blocks Trump's Unprecedented Attempt to Fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision split along ideological lines, temporarily blocked President Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, the first Black woman on the central bank's board. Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the court's three liberal justices in the ruling. Trump had sought to remove Cook over unsubstantiated mortgage fraud claims, but the Court found he failed to provide the procedural protections she was entitled to by statute. Cook, appointed by former President Biden, disputed the firing and will now fight to keep her position in lower court proceedings. Her term is set to expire in 2038. The decision temporarily preserves the Fed's independence, contrasting with a separate ruling Monday that expanded presidential power over other independent agencies.
The New RepublicSupreme Court Blocks Trump's Attempt to Fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled to allow Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to remain at the central bank while she challenges President Donald Trump's attempt to fire her. The decision effectively blocks Trump's effort to remove Cook, reinforcing the independence of the Federal Reserve, which is the world's most powerful central bank. The ruling is a significant legal and political development, as it limits presidential authority over independent regulatory agencies and protects their operational autonomy. This case highlights ongoing tensions between the executive branch and independent financial institutions.
MarketWatch.com - Top StoriesSupreme Court Blocks Trump's Firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, ruling that she can remain in her position while her legal challenge against the dismissal proceeds. Trump dismissed Cook last year over accusations of mortgage fraud, marking the first time a sitting president has attempted to remove a Fed governor in the central bank's 112-year history. The split ruling highlights ongoing tensions between executive authority and the independence of the Federal Reserve. Cook's case will continue through the courts, with the Supreme Court's interim order effectively pausing her removal.
Just In NewsSupreme Court Blocks Trump From Firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that President Donald Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over alleged mortgage misstatements, dealing a major blow to the president's attempts to exert political control over the central bank. The court found that while Trump can remove Cook 'for cause,' he did not provide proper procedural protections and cannot fire her for any reason. Cook challenged her August firing over claims she misrepresented properties on mortgage documents, which she denies. The ruling upholds the Federal Reserve Act's for-cause protections, reinforcing the Fed's independence. This marks another chapter in Trump's conflict with the Fed, following his pressure on former Chair Jerome Powell and a dropped investigation into Powell.
Forbes - BusinessUS Supreme Court Blocks Trump's Firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
The US Supreme Court ruled on Monday that President Donald Trump cannot immediately fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, rejecting the administration's bid to stay a lower court ruling that blocked her removal. The court did not rule on the ultimate question of presidential authority over Fed governors. Cook remains on the Fed's Board of Governors while her lawsuit challenging the dismissal proceeds. Trump had attempted to fire Cook over mortgage fraud allegations made by a Trump-appointed official, but Cook and others believe the real motive was her refusal to vote for the interest rate cuts Trump demanded. The case highlights tensions over Federal Reserve independence. Under the Federal Reserve Act, a president can remove a Fed governor only 'for cause.' Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed concern during oral arguments that the administration's position would 'shatter' Fed independence. Cook, the first Black woman to serve as a Fed governor, was appointed by former President Joe Biden and has denied the fraud allegations.
US Top News and Analysis