美联储独立性的又一试金石！特朗普试图掌控理事会多数席位

Core Viewpoint - Lisa Cook, the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve Board, is facing allegations of mortgage fraud, which have drawn significant media attention and political pressure, particularly from the Trump administration [1][4]. Group 1: Allegations and Political Pressure - Cook has been accused of mortgage fraud by a Trump administration official, who plans to submit a criminal investigation request to the Department of Justice [1]. - President Trump has publicly called for Cook's resignation, although she has stated she will cooperate with the investigation but has no plans to resign from the Federal Reserve Board, where her term lasts until 2038 [1][4]. - The allegations come at a critical time as the Trump administration is pressuring the Federal Reserve and its Chairman Jerome Powell to lower interest rates [1][4]. Group 2: Cook's Background and Influence - Cook is recognized as a rigorous academic researcher and has been influential in discussions about monetary policy, particularly regarding the impact of artificial intelligence [2]. - She has a strong academic background, having graduated from Spelman College and earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley [3]. - Cook's notable research has highlighted the decline in patents among Black innovators during periods of racial violence, which garnered attention from prominent economists [3]. Group 3: Legal Context and Implications - The specific allegations involve Cook declaring properties as her primary residence to secure lower mortgage rates, which is under scrutiny for potential fraud [5][6]. - Legal experts note that cases of mortgage fraud based solely on misrepresentation of primary residence status are rare, with only 2-3% of mortgages showing fraudulent self-reported claims from 2005 to 2017 [6]. - The political context suggests that the allegations may be part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to install allies within the Federal Reserve [4][7]. Group 4: Impact on Federal Reserve Independence - The situation is occurring during a sensitive period of power restructuring within the Federal Reserve, with recent resignations and new appointments potentially shifting the balance of power [7]. - If Cook were to resign, it could allow Trump-appointed members to dominate the board, fundamentally altering interest rate decision-making [7]. - Concerns are rising about the potential erosion of the Federal Reserve's independence due to political pressures, which could undermine its role as an economic stabilizer [7].