Coalition Condemns Trump’s Attempt to Dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Dr. Lisa D. Cook
We, a coalition of civic and policy organizations, strongly condemn the attempt of President Trump to dismiss and impugn the character of Federal Reserve Board Governor Dr. Lisa D. Cook.
Dr. Cook’s historic appointment as the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in May 2022 is a testament to her extensive qualifications and distinguished career. She has an impressive track record of excellence, including advising governments during global economic crises, serving at various levels of the Federal Reserve System, and earning acclaim as a professor of economics at Michigan State University. Her election to the boards of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago by Midwestern community bankers further underscores the trust she has earned from a diverse cross-section of the financial community.
This is not an isolated incident; it mirrors a consistent strategy of attacking highly qualified individuals, regardless of their credentials. The persistent and unfounded critiques levied against esteemed public figures, including governors, federal judges, and prosecutors, serve to weaken and delegitimize their work and ultimately, the institutions they serve. These attacks on a system of checks and balances are not in the best interest of a healthy democratic society.
President Trump’s effort to push Dr. Cook out of office is unjustified, dangerous, and part of a troubling pattern. In the past, President Trump has:
- Attacked Black prosecutors like New York Attorney General Letitia James and Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis, attempting to delegitimize their work.
- Undermined Black federal judges, including Judge Tanya Chutkan, who previously presided over Trump’s federal election interference case.
- Targeted Maryland Governor Wes Moore — the state’s first Black governor — by falsely questioning his leadership, dismissing his bipartisan work to strengthen Maryland’s economy, and belittling his historic election.
- Ignored the will of Washington, D.C. residents and their elected Mayor, Muriel Bowser, by ordering National Guard troops onto city streets during 2020 protests, militarizing Black communities instead of listening to their voices.
- Removed Carla Hayden, the first Black Librarian of Congress, from her post, dismissing her historic leadership and commitment to expanding access to knowledge and preserving our nation’s cultural memory.
- Forced out Air Force General Charles Q. “CQ” Brown, Jr., the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, disregarding his distinguished service and undermining civilian trust in diverse military leadership
That strategy is now escalating: by federalizing the D.C. police force and deploying federal law enforcement and National Guard troops against local residents — while threatening similar actions in Baltimore, Chicago, and other cities with high Black populations led by Black mayors.
President Trump has now moved from dangerous rhetoric to direct assaults on economic governance.
The Federal Reserve is an independent institution that is crucial to our nation’s economic stability. Politically targeting Governor Cook undermines that independence and sends a chilling message to future qualified Black leaders considering public service.
Dr. Cook has earned her seat through her expertise, integrity, and commitment to the American people. She should be allowed to serve without intimidation or political interference.
We call on policymakers, civic leaders, and the public to reject this dangerous attempt to threaten the independence of the Federal Reserve, and to stand against blatant discriminatory and unwarranted attacks on Black people who are in positions of leadership.
Signed,
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
NAACP
National Action Network
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women’s Roundtable
National Council of Negro Women
National Fair Housing Alliance
National Urban League
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
