WASHINGTON — The Justice Department started examining mortgage fraud allegations against Lisa Cook, the Federal Reserve governor who challenged a Trump administration effort to remove her from her job in a move she says is designed to erode the central bank's independence.

Investigators issued subpoenas as part of an inquiry into Cook that was spawned by a criminal referral from the country's top housing regulator, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the inquiry Thursday, which was earlier reported by The Wall Street Journal.

News of the investigation comes amid a high-stakes legal fight over President Donald Trump's announcement last month that he wanted to oust Cook, an action she

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