Donald Trump announced a fresh inquiry into Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook earlier this month and appointed a three-person committee to hold a hearing. (EPA Images pic)WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook's lawyer questioned the objectivity of a White House probe into allegations she committed mortgage fraud, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday, challenging president Donald Trump's latest attempt to remove her from her role.

Trump has been trying to fire Cook for more than a year as he moves to exert more control over a central bank he says is refusing for political reasons to lower interest rates. Cook denies any wrongdoing and has sued to keep her job.

Earlier this month Trump announced a fresh ​inquiry into Cook and the appointment of a three-person committee to hold a hearing. The president later told reporters he would proceed with her firing if the committee recommended it. Cook's lawyers have said a fair hearing would show there is no legal basis for firing her.