New Document Bolsters Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s Defense Amid Mortgage Fraud Allegations

A newly reviewed loan estimate document for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s Atlanta property indicates she declared it as a “vacation home,” potentially undermining mortgage fraud accusations leveled by the Trump administration. The document, dated May 28, 2021, shows Cook informed her lender the property would not be her primary residence, a detail that appears to counter claims made by her critics.

Cook has been accused by administration officials, including Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, of mortgage fraud for allegedly reporting two different homes as her primary residence. This led to a federal investigation and an order from President Donald Trump for her dismissal, which Cook is currently challenging through a lawsuit.

Real estate experts not involved in the case suggest the loan estimate, which explicitly states “Property Use: Vacation Home,” strengthens Cook’s defense by showing her intent during the loan application process. Further supporting her case, property records and a Fulton County tax official confirm Cook never sought a primary residence tax exemption for the Georgia home. Additionally, a federal security clearance form from December 2021 also listed the Atlanta property as a “2nd home,” consistent with the loan estimate.

The controversy surrounding Cook’s properties unfolds amid President Trump’s efforts to exert greater control over the Federal Reserve, an institution designed to be independent. Trump has frequently criticized the Fed’s reluctance to cut interest rates since his return to the White House earlier this year. The scrutiny has also extended to other officials; last week, reports surfaced that Pulte’s own parents had declared two homes in different states as primary residences, leading to the removal of a tax exemption for their Michigan home and a demand for back taxes.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.