California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Donald J. Trump v. Lisa D. Cook. The case centers on former President Trump’s effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position on the Board of Governors, which oversees the Federal Reserve System.
The Federal Reserve is responsible for maintaining financial system stability, supervising and regulating financial institutions, and promoting consumer protection across the United States.
In their brief, the attorneys general ask the Supreme Court to allow Governor Cook to remain in her post while litigation continues. They argue that removing Cook could create institutional uncertainty at the Federal Reserve and lead to negative economic consequences for states.
“The Federal Reserve Board serves all Americans by promoting the health and stability of the U.S. economy and financial system. By continuing his attempt to remove Governor Lisa Cook — one of seven essential board members — President Trump is not only undermining the Board’s independence but also threatening to throw an institution that safeguards California’s economy into chaos,” said Attorney General Bonta. “From designing their state budgets to taking out a mortgage, the State of California and its people depend on stability, independence, and good governance at the Federal Reserve. I urge the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the preliminary injunction that has allowed Governor Cook to continue her work on the Board of Governors while litigation proceeds.”
In August 2025, President Trump sought to remove Lisa Cook from her role on the Board “for cause.” The stated reason was an allegation that she had defrauded mortgage lenders by claiming two primary residences for lower interest rates in 2021 before joining the Federal Reserve. The Department of Justice is investigating these claims, but so far they have not been substantiated.
The attorneys general maintain that dismissals “for cause” must be based on specific reasons rather than being left entirely to presidential discretion. According to their argument, if “for cause” can mean any reason determined by the president, it effectively allows removals at will—a practice Congress has rejected for such key roles.
Despite a lack of evidence supporting removal and a District Court ruling allowing Cook to stay during investigation, President Trump is seeking again to proceed with her dismissal.
The coalition warns that sudden removal could disrupt state budget planning, increase costs for public services, and raise expenses related to unemployment support due to likely higher inflation and market volatility.
Other states joining California in this action include Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin as well as the District of Columbia.
A copy of the amicus brief can be found here.
