President Trump could move to remove three Federal Reserve governors, but legal experts cited by CNBC warn that court rulings and protracted litigation could make any such effort far harder than it appears.
Key facts
- CNBC reports Trump could seek to remove Jerome Powell, Lisa Cook and Michael Barr from the Federal Reserve.
- Court rulings and lengthy litigation could limit the president's ability to remove them, according to CNBC.
- The report was published on 1 October 2026.
President Donald Trump could seek to remove three Federal Reserve governors, but doing so may prove considerably more difficult than it looks, according to CNBC.
The three officials who could be targeted are Jerome Powell, Lisa Cook and Michael Barr, CNBC reported. All three hold positions at the Federal Reserve, the central bank responsible for setting US monetary policy.
According to CNBC, any attempt to remove the governors could run into significant legal obstacles. The outlet noted that court rulings and lengthy litigation could limit the president’s ability to carry out such removals.
The report, published on 1 October 2026, highlights the tension between presidential authority and the structural independence of the Federal Reserve, an institution designed to operate with a degree of insulation from direct political control.
CNBC noted that even if the president moves to act against the officials, the process could be drawn out through the courts rather than resolved quickly.
Why it matters
The Federal Reserve's independence from political pressure is widely viewed as central to its credibility in managing interest rates and inflation. Any effort to remove its governors could raise questions about the central bank's autonomy and trigger significant legal and market scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
Which Federal Reserve governors could Trump target?
According to CNBC, Trump could seek to remove Jerome Powell, Lisa Cook and Michael Barr from the Federal Reserve.
Why might removing the governors be difficult?
CNBC reports that court rulings and lengthy litigation could limit the president's ability to remove the officials.
When was this reported?
The CNBC report was published on October 1, 2026.