WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook's lawyer has questioned the objectivity of a White House probe into allegations that 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 to lower interest rates for political reasons. 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 was no legal basis for firing her.