Trump orders White House investigation into Fed Governor Lisa Cook

US President Donald Trump has ordered a White House investigation into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over unproven mortgage fraud allegations, escalating efforts to remove her from office.

According to The New York Times, Trump announced on Friday that a committee would examine allegations that Cook made false statements on mortgage documents.

The committee will hold a hearing on November 5 to determine whether grounds exist for her removal.

Cook, who has not been charged with any crime, denies wrongdoing.

Her lawyers expressed “grave doubts that this ‘hearing’ is a legitimate one that would conform to the law.”

They maintained that Cook “welcomes the opportunity to present the facts so she can clear her name and demonstrate there is no legal basis to fire her.”

The investigation follows a Supreme Court ruling allowing Cook to remain in office after finding she had received inadequate due process.

Trump has repeatedly criticised Federal Reserve officials over interest rate policies, intensifying tensions surrounding the central bank’s independence.