Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is planning to attend Wednesday’s oral arguments before the US Supreme Court in the case of President Trump’s attempt to fire Fed Gov. Lisa Cook over allegations that she committed mortgage fraud.
The Associated Press, sourcing its information from an unnamed “person familiar with the matter,” reports Powell’s appearance would create an unmistakable support for Cook, but would further his pushback at Trump’s efforts to influence central bank policies. Powell’s appearance would also be the first time he will be publicly seen since his dramatic Jan. 11 video revealing the Department of Justice was threatening him with an indictment, which he declared as a pretext for Trump to coerce the central bank to follow his wishes.
Cook was accused of mortgage fraud in a criminal referral made by Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Cook denied the charges and no criminal charges have been brought against her.
