The Supreme Court will hear arguments this week on whether President Donald Trump has the authority to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, a case with broader implications for the central bank’s independence. The dispute stems from accusations by Trump administration officials last year that Cook committed mortgage fraud by misrepresenting her primary residence on loan applications. Trump sought to fire Cook over the allegations, but lower courts have so far blocked the move. A r ...

Core Points - Rep. Eric Swalwell filed a lawsuit against Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, alleging abuse of authority and unlawful conduct regarding mortgage fraud allegations [1][2] - The lawsuit claims that Pulte improperly accessed and leaked Swalwell's private mortgage records, violating the Privacy Act of 1974 and the First Amendment [2][4] - Swalwell's legal team argues that Pulte's referral to the Justice Department was false and part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to target political opponents [3][5][6] Summary by Sections Allegations and Legal Claims - Swalwell's lawsuit seeks to declare Pulte's actions unlawful, withdraw the criminal referral, and award damages for privacy violations [1] - The suit emphasizes that Pulte's referral was "patently false," as Swalwell had affirmed his residency status in an affidavit [3] Timing and Impact - The lawsuit highlights the timing of the leak, which coincided with Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign announcement, suggesting a politically motivated attack [4] - The rapid dissemination of the referral letter to the media is noted as increasing security risks for Swalwell's family [4] Broader Context - The filing positions Pulte's actions as part of a systematic approach by the Trump administration to utilize federal agencies against critics [5] - The lawsuit points out that no similar criminal referrals have been made against Trump allies, indicating a potential bias in the application of such referrals [9] Pulte's Defense - Pulte defended the agency's actions, claiming that the referrals were not politically motivated and that such referrals are routine [8] - He declined to disclose the sources of information leading to the referrals, maintaining confidentiality [8]

Core Points - Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook's characterization of her condominium as a "vacation home" may impact allegations of mortgage fraud against her by the Trump administration [1] - President Trump is attempting to remove Cook "for cause," citing claims that she listed two properties as primary residences simultaneously [2] - Cook has secured an injunction allowing her to remain a Fed governor, marking a significant legal battle as a president seeks to remove a board member [2] - The Trump administration has appealed the ruling and is seeking an emergency decision before the Fed's upcoming meeting on interest rates [3] - Allegations against Cook include claims of signing documents stating both her Atlanta property and a home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as "primary residences" [4] - Claiming a home as a "primary residence" can lead to more favorable mortgage terms, and Cook has not claimed a homestead exemption on her condo since its purchase [5]