NAACP, Coalition of Civic & Policy Orgs Condemn Trump’s Attempt to Dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Dr. Lisa D. Cook
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2025
Contact: communications@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – The NAACP, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and a coalition of civic and policy organizations released a joint letter condemning President Trump's attempt to dismiss and demean Federal Reserve Board Governor Dr. Lisa D. Cook.
The groups call on policymakers, civic leaders, and the public to reject this dangerous attempt to threaten the independence of the Federal Reserve and to stand against blatant discriminatory and unwarranted attacks on Black people who are in positions of leadership.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement:
"Trump is obsessed with using race to conceal his failures. First, he questioned Barack Obama's citizenship. Next, he demeaned public officials like Rep. Maxine Waters, Vice President Kamala Harris, and AG Letitia James, who governed effectively and exposed his corruption.
"Now, he wants to fire Dr. Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve simply because she is a brilliant Black woman shaping economic policy at the highest level and revealing the faults in his failed economic strategy. Let's be real: this is not about qualifications. Dr. Cook's credentials outshine Trump's entire cabinet.
"This president simply cannot stomach Black excellence when it reveals his failures, particularly those in positions of power. In reality, this is about bending the Federal Reserve to Trump's will, and he's using racism as a tool to do it."
Civic and policy organizations that have signed on to the letter also include:
- Institute for Women's Policy Research
- Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
- Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
- National Action Network
- National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women's Roundtable
- National Council of Negro Women
- National Fair Housing Alliance
- National Urban League
For more information on how the NAACP is fighting to advance Black America, visit naacp.org.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.