WASHINGTON — Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, sued President Donald Trump Thursday, calling his move to fire her an “unprecedented and illegal attempt” that jeopardizes the independence of the board. The suit asks the district court to allow Cook to continue serving on the Fed as she challenges her removal. In a statement to States Newsroom, White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the president’s decision to remove Cook. Despite Trump’s long-running pressure campaign, the Fed has kept rates steady amid concerns that the president’s tariffs will produce price hikes. Pulte accused Cook of making a false statement on a mortgage application to obtain a more favorable rate on her second home.