States Urge supreme Court to protect Federal Reserve Independence in Trump v. Cook
Washington, D.C. – A coalition of 24 state attorneys general, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, have filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Donald J. Trump v. Lisa D. Cook, urging the Court to allow Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to remain in her position while legal challenges to her potential removal proceed. The brief details the notable economic risks to states should President Trump be permitted to remove Governor Cook amidst unsubstantiated allegations and an ongoing investigation.
the case centers on President Trump’s attempt to remove Governor Cook “for cause,” alleging mortgage fraud stemming from 2021, prior to her appointment. While the department of Justice is investigating these claims, no evidence has yet substantiated them. The attorneys general argue that a broad interpretation of ”for cause” – essentially allowing a President to remove a Governor for any reason – would fundamentally undermine Congressional intent and jeopardize the independence of the Federal Reserve.
“The Federal Reserve’s stability is paramount to the economic well-being of every state and its citizens,” stated Attorney General Bonta. “President Trump’s attempt to disrupt the board by removing Governor Cook, based on unproven accusations, threatens to inject chaos into an institution vital to California’s – and the nation’s – financial health. We urge the Supreme Court to uphold the preliminary injunction allowing Governor Cook to continue her crucial work.”
The brief highlights the potential for significant downstream economic harm to states if governor Cook is removed prematurely. The attorneys general warn that such a removal could lead to increased inflation, heightened market volatility, and rising unemployment – all of which would directly impact state budgets, increase the cost of public services, and strain unemployment support systems. Specifically, the brief outlines concerns that instability at the Federal Reserve would:
* Disrupt state Budgeting: Undermine the economic projections states rely on when crafting their annual budgets.
* Increase Service Costs: Drive up the costs associated with providing essential state services.
* Strain Unemployment Resources: Increase the demand for and cost of unemployment benefits due to potential economic downturn.
The coalition emphasizes the importance of the judiciary’s role in ensuring the President acts within the bounds of their authority. Allowing immediate removal, they argue, would circumvent this crucial check and balance.
Joining California in filing the brief are the attorneys general from Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
The full amicus brief is available for review at https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/2025.10.29%20Trump%20v.%20Cook%2025A312%20Colorado%20and%2022%20States%20Amicus%20Brief.pdf.
