White House economic advisor pressures The Federal Reserve Board of Governors Cook, stating that he should take a leave of absence during the litigation.

On August 27, Hassett, the Director of the National Economic Council at the White House, stated today that Lisa Cook should take a leave of absence during the lawsuit regarding her position on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Hassett told reporters, "If I were in her position, I would take a leave right now. It’s the decent thing to do." Hassett expressed that he believes the president has the authority to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Cook, saying, "The president absolutely has the right to dismiss a Federal Reserve Governor for just cause, and I believe these allegations are serious." Yesterday, President Trump signed a document relieving Federal Reserve Governor Cook of her position, effective immediately. Additionally, Trump had previously publicly considered nominating Hassett for the next Federal Reserve Chair.