President Donald Trump has escalated his bid to oust a Federal Reserve governor by petitioning the Supreme Court to authorize the removal of Lisa Cook from the board. This move comes in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to reduce interest rates, marking the first such adjustment in several months.

Trump’s request to the Supreme Court to dismiss Cook raises legal questions about the extent of presidential authority over the Federal Reserve’s governance. While the president has the prerogative to nominate members to the board, the process of removing a governor is subject to legal scrutiny and procedural constraints.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “President Trump firmly believes that his ability to shape the composition of the Federal Reserve board is critical to achieving his economic policy goals.” This sentiment underscores the administration’s commitment to exerting influence over the Federal Reserve’s decision-making processes.

Lisa Cook, the governor in question, has not publicly responded to Trump’s efforts to remove her from the Federal Reserve board. The move to involve the Supreme Court in this matter indicates the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for the independence of the Federal Reserve from political interference.

Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s request could set a significant precedent regarding the balance of power between the executive branch and independent federal agencies. The outcome of this case may have lasting implications for future interactions between the president and institutions like the Federal Reserve.