WASHINGTON — A Washington, DC, federal judge was weighing an order Friday that would block Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s ouster by President Trump after hearing arguments for more than two hours from lead defense attorney Abbe Lowell and a Department of Justice lawyer.

The hearing concluded with no clear timeline for when US District Judge Jia M. Cobb would rule on a temporary restraining order request filed by Cook’s attorneys Thursday.

Cobb gave no indication about which way she would rule, but did emphasize the Fed’s “need for independence.” 5

The Fed’s Board of Governors and several Reserve Bank presidents are scheduled to meet to discuss US monetary policy — including potential changes to interest rates — on Sept. 16 and 17 in DC.

Lowell argued at several points du

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