The Supreme Court's Republican majority is likely to hand President Donald Trump a rare loss in his attempt to exert control over the Federal Reserve. Last year, they permitted Trump's administration to fire nearly half of the Department of Education employees. However, when it comes to the Fed's leadership, the court has indicated that Trump's authority may be limited.
In May, the Court ruled in Trump v. Wilcox (2025) that Trump cannot fire the Fed's leaders because the agency is a "uniquely structured, quasi-private entity" with a distinct historical tradition. The ruling suggests that the Fed's independence is protected by law and that Trump's attempts to exert control over it may be unconstitutional.
During oral arguments in Trump v. Cook (2025), most justices appeared likely to reject Trump's attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, who was appointed by President Biden. The Court has signaled that it will follow the ruling in Wilcox and protect the Fed's independence from presidential interference.
The Federal Reserve plays a critical role in setting interest rates, which can have significant effects on the economy. If the Fed lowers interest rates too much, it can lead to inflation and economic stagnation in the long term. Conversely, lowering rates too little can prevent economic growth in the short term.
Congress has shielded the Fed's governors from presidential control by permitting only "cause" for termination. This means that presidents cannot fire Fed leaders simply because they disagree with their policies or decisions. The law also requires presidents to provide a hearing before terminating a governor, which prevents arbitrary and partisan actions.
Trump's attempt to fire Cook is based on a fabricated allegation that she made an error on her mortgage application. However, most justices appeared skeptical of this claim, and several asked why Trump would not have provided notice or given Cook an opportunity to defend herself before termination.
The Court's decision in Cook v. Trump could have significant implications for the Fed's independence and the economy as a whole. If the Court upholds the ruling in Wilcox, it will strengthen the Fed's ability to make independent decisions about interest rates and monetary policy.
In May, the Court ruled in Trump v. Wilcox (2025) that Trump cannot fire the Fed's leaders because the agency is a "uniquely structured, quasi-private entity" with a distinct historical tradition. The ruling suggests that the Fed's independence is protected by law and that Trump's attempts to exert control over it may be unconstitutional.
During oral arguments in Trump v. Cook (2025), most justices appeared likely to reject Trump's attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, who was appointed by President Biden. The Court has signaled that it will follow the ruling in Wilcox and protect the Fed's independence from presidential interference.
The Federal Reserve plays a critical role in setting interest rates, which can have significant effects on the economy. If the Fed lowers interest rates too much, it can lead to inflation and economic stagnation in the long term. Conversely, lowering rates too little can prevent economic growth in the short term.
Congress has shielded the Fed's governors from presidential control by permitting only "cause" for termination. This means that presidents cannot fire Fed leaders simply because they disagree with their policies or decisions. The law also requires presidents to provide a hearing before terminating a governor, which prevents arbitrary and partisan actions.
Trump's attempt to fire Cook is based on a fabricated allegation that she made an error on her mortgage application. However, most justices appeared skeptical of this claim, and several asked why Trump would not have provided notice or given Cook an opportunity to defend herself before termination.
The Court's decision in Cook v. Trump could have significant implications for the Fed's independence and the economy as a whole. If the Court upholds the ruling in Wilcox, it will strengthen the Fed's ability to make independent decisions about interest rates and monetary policy.