A federal judge has halted President Donald Trump’s effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, issuing a preliminary injunction that allows her to continue serving while her legal challenge proceeds.

U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled that the Trump administration likely violated the Federal Reserve Act and Cook’s constitutional due process rights, stating that Cook’s ouster lacked lawful justification.

In her strongly worded opinion, Cobb rejected the administration’s claims that the president had the authority to dismiss Cook at will, noting that the Federal Reserve was intentionally designed to operate independently of political influence.

“Cook is one of seven members of a Board that is, by design, not intended to be susceptible to policy pressure, let alone tasked with implementing the President’s agenda,” Cobb wrote.

She concluded that Trump’s attempt to fire Cook did not meet the legal threshold set by the Federal Reserve Act, which permits the removal of a governor only for “cause,” such as misconduct or neglect of duty.

“President Trump has not stated a legally permissible cause for Cook’s removal,” Cobb added.

Cobb emphasized the public interest in maintaining the Federal Reserve’s independence, particularly ahead of the Fed’s next policy meeting, which is scheduled to begin September 16.

She denied a Trump administration request to delay the ruling pending appeal, citing potential irreparable harm to both Cook and the central bank.

“The independence of the Federal Reserve is critical in helping the nation’s banking system promote stability,” the judge wrote.

She also rejected what she described as an “absurd” legal argument from the Trump administration, which claimed that not only could the president unilaterally remove a sitting governor, but also that the courts had no authority to review the action.

Cook’s attorney welcomed the decision, calling it a vital victory for institutional integrity:

“This ruling recognizes and reaffirms the importance of safeguarding the independence of the Federal Reserve from illegal political interference.”

The case has sparked intense political debate over the limits of presidential power and the importance of protecting apolitical governance at key financial institutions. As the legal battle continues, Judge Cobb’s ruling ensures that Cook will remain in her position—at least for now.