The White House economic adviser said Trump could remove Cook if due process ultimately establishes cause for her firing.
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said President Donald Trump would have the authority to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook if cause for her removal is ultimately established, while ruling out the possibility that he could take her place on the central bank’s board.
In an Aug. 10 interview with CNBC, Hassett was asked about the independence of the Federal Reserve in the context of Trump’s renewed effort to remove Cook, who has denied allegations that she made false statements on mortgage documents.
Hassett broadly described the dispute as a “law enforcement matter” that would be resolved through legal due process.
“If you look at the Supreme Court ruling, it said that basically she was given insufficient notice, and so now she’s been given notice,” Hassett said.
“I look forward to seeing what she has to say. She says that she’s 100 percent innocent. You know, as a human being, I hope that’s true.
“But I think that if in the end there is a cause, then of course the president has the right to fire her.”
He said the question of whether such cause exists should be left to law enforcement.
Asked whether he could be tapped for Cook’s seat if Trump ultimately succeeds in removing her, Hassett replied, “I promise you that’s not going to happen.”
Trump Revives Effort to Oust Cook
Trump first moved to fire Cook in August 2025 following a criminal referral related to allegations that she made false statements on mortgage documents.
Cook challenged the move in court, and the Supreme Court on June 29 blocked Trump from removing her while litigation continues in the lower courts.
In a 5–4 decision, the high court said Cook was entitled to notice and “some opportunity to respond” before being terminated.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, also rejected the administration’s argument that the president’s determination of “cause” was effectively beyond judicial review.
Trump has maintained that the Federal Reserve Act gives presidents the authority to remove Fed governors “for cause.”
The White House revived the effort last week.
By Tom Ozimek
