MNI BRIEF: Ruling On Fed Gov. Cook Unlikely Before Sept 4

US District Judge Jia Cobb on Tuesday gave the Department of Justice until Thursday to file another brief opposing Lisa Cook’s request for immediate court action stopping the Federal Reserve from carrying out Trump’s directive firing her. 

At a hearing on Aug. 29, Cook’s attorney argued that absent an agreement with the government that ensures she can continue to perform her duties while the legal fight goes forward, she needs a temporary ruling from the judge preserving the status quo as quickly as possible. The FOMC's next meeting is scheduled September 16-17. 

Cook's attorneys submitted a 34-page filing on Tuesday argues the President's basis for firing Cook does not amount to cause and that Congress intended for the Federal Reserve Act's "for cause" removal provision to serve as a limit on the President's removal power. The filing also argues that private conduct before taking office could not amount to cause and there are other remedies for such circumstances. (See: MNI INTERVIEW: Trump Missed Window For Significant Fed Change)