Bessent made mortgage claims similar to ones Trump cited to try to fire Fed's Cook: Report

Core Viewpoint - The situation surrounding Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook highlights allegations of mortgage fraud and the political pressures surrounding the Federal Reserve, particularly in relation to President Trump's actions and statements [1][3][4]. Group 1: Allegations and Investigations - Bessent agreed to designate two homes in New York and Massachusetts as his principal residences simultaneously, similar to Cook's mortgage agreements for her homes in Michigan and Atlanta [2]. - Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, leading to a Justice Department investigation following a criminal referral [3]. - Cook has denied the allegations and has filed a lawsuit to block her removal from the Federal Reserve, which has been supported by a U.S. District Court ruling [4]. Group 2: Political Context - Trump's attempt to remove Cook was influenced by his frustration over the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, as he had pressured the Fed for months to lower rates [4]. - Bessent expressed that there are differing opinions on whether Trump is exerting undue pressure on the Fed, while also emphasizing the need to investigate any potential misconduct by Fed officials [5]. - The circumstances of Bessent and Cook are noted to be different, particularly in how their mortgage agreements were executed and the banks involved [6].