Overview

• In new filings Tuesday, Lisa Cook denied committing mortgage fraud, said any contradictions were disclosed during her 2022 vetting, and asked for a temporary restraining order to keep serving on the Fed board.
• U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb set an expedited schedule with briefs due Sept. 4, and the Federal Reserve urged a quick decision to clear governance uncertainty before the Sept. 16–17 policy meeting.
• Nearly 600 economists, including Nobel laureates and former White House economic advisers, signed an open letter supporting Cook and warning that removing her would undermine the Fed’s independence, a concern echoed by ECB President Christine Lagarde.
• FHFA Director Bill Pulte, whose criminal referrals were cited by the president, has posted additional allegations including a second referral tied to a Cambridge property and plans further disclosures Thursday, while the Justice Department has not filed charges.
• The administration contends contradictory mortgage statements provide sufficient cause and seeks limited judicial review, while Cook’s lawyers argue due‑process protections apply and some Senate Republicans question whether her seat can be deemed vacant during litigation.