The following is a statement from Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, on Dr. Lisa Cook

“Dr. Lisa Cook has a long and distinguished career in both the public and private sector, and as the first black woman appointed to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, she has served her country with distinction. Thanks to her service, women in the United States have more economic opportunities to thrive and fewer glass ceilings to break. 

President Trump’s attempt to fire Dr. Cook should be seen for what it is: an initial step toward consolidating majority control over the Federal Reserve and asserting unprecedented control over what should be an independent agency. This outrageous effort is yet another indication that he regards highly qualified and credentialed Black women as a threat to his Administration. Dr. Cook’s service on the Board has been exemplary and the allegations raised against her are completely unsubstantiated. But like tens of thousands of other public servants throughout our government, she is being targeted by an Administration that values fealty over independence. 

This personal attack on Dr. Cook has no merit, and she deserves to serve the remainder of her 14-year term. It’s well past time for the Administration to stop targeting people that it deems political opponents, and to start focusing on the well-being of the American people.”