Appeals Court Blocks Trump from Firing Fed’s Cook

Judge Bradley Garcia, of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, wrote in a concurring opinion with fellow Biden-appointed Judge Michelle Childs that Cook was likely to succeed in he case.

The D.C.-based judges addressed Trump administration accusations that Cook had committed mortgage fraud, allegations that she denies.

"Given that Cook has a property interest in her position, she is entitled to 'some kind' of process before removal," Garcia wrote.

"Before this court, the government does not dispute that it provided Cook no meaningful notice or opportunity to respond to the allegations against her," Garcia added.

"The government argues only that Cook 'does not explain what difference a hearing would have made.' Even accepting that premise, Cook's entitlement to process stands apart from whether she would succeed in securing a different outcome."

Judge Gregory Katsas dissented.

The Trump-appointed wrote in his dissent that the District Court judge was "mistaken" in ruling that Cook has "a constitutionally protected property interest in her office."