U.S. Judge Declares Trump’s Firing of Federal Watchdog Chief Illegal

A U.S. District Judge has ruled that President Donald Trump’s decision to fire the head of a federal watchdog agency was unlawful, marking a significant challenge to presidential authority that could escalate to the Supreme Court.

Judge Amy Berman Jackson declared that Hampton Dellinger, the Special Counsel for the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), who is responsible for protecting whistleblowers, was wrongfully removed. She had previously allowed Dellinger to remain in office pending a final decision.

Legal Battle Over Presidential Power

In her ruling, Judge Jackson argued that if Trump were allowed to dismiss Dellinger without legal justification, it would grant him unchecked authority to pressure federal officials into complying with his demands. The Justice Department swiftly responded, filing an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia late Saturday.

Dellinger, appointed by former President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate for a five-year term, welcomed the ruling, stating that it reinforces the legal protections granted by Congress to his position.

Implications for the Supreme Court

This decision serves as a crucial test of executive power, with legal experts predicting that the case could reach the Supreme Court. The ruling is limited to the whistleblower protection agency, but it could set a precedent for future disputes over the president’s ability to fire federal officials.

The outcome of the appeal will determine whether Trump’s actions stand or if future presidents will face new legal constraints when attempting to remove Senate-confirmed officials.