DOJ Opens Mortgage Fraud Probe Into Lisa Cook

The US Justice Department has reportedly opened a mortgage fraud probe into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, whom President Donald Trump has been seeking to remove from office, Aysa Bagchi reported for USA Today.

Cook called the probe harassment, saying the mortgage matter was clarified during her confirmation hearings and never raised by senators at the time. (Photo: Federalreserve Flickr) 

Both Reuters and the Wall Street Journal confirmed the investigation. Reuters cited documents and an anonymous source familiar with the probe, while the Journal cited multiple unnamed sources.

“Predictably and recognizing the flaws in challenging their illegal firing of Governor Cook, the administration is scrambling to invent new justifications for its overreach,” said Cook’s lawyer, Abbe David Lowell.

“This Justice Department — perhaps the most politicized in American history — will do whatever President Trump demands. He wants cover, and they are providing it.”

The Justice Department has also launched a similar probe into New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led a civil real estate fraud case against Trump and members of his family in New York State.

Ed Martin, a Justice Department official and Trump loyalist, is leading the investigation, according to reports.

Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Martin to oversee probes into potential mortgage fraud by public officials.

Martin took on the role after failing in his bid to become US attorney for the District of Columbia, a nomination that collapsed when Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) refused to support him due to his defense of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Cook called the probe harassment, saying the mortgage matter was clarified during her confirmation hearings and never raised by senators at the time. She argued Trump cannot revive it now.