(The Hill) – The Justice Department has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve board of governors member Lisa Cook over alleged mortgage fraud.

The probe, reported by several outlets Thursday, follows two criminal referrals by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director Bill Pulte that claimed Cook submitted false information in her mortgage application, possibly to secure lower interest rates.

President Trump pointed to those allegations as reason to fire her from the central bank, a move that threw into question the institution's historical independence from political influence. Cook has sued over Trump's attempt to remove her from her post.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the probe, citing U.S. officials familiar with the matter. Subpoenas have b

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