Special Poll
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order late Wednesday, preventing President Trump from firing the head of the Office of the Special Counsel, a key figure in protecting whistleblowers.
Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who was appointed by former President Obama, ruled that Hampton Dellinger will remain in his position for now, despite being dismissed by Trump last Friday.
In her order, Jackson stated that the White House’s attempt to remove Dellinger without citing a specific reason violates federal law. She pointed to the statute governing the Special Counsel, which explicitly states that the position can only be terminated for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. She added that Congress clearly intended for the role to remain independent and protected from political interference.
The judge’s decision allows Dellinger to stay in office while the legal battle over his dismissal continues.
Dellinger, who was appointed by President Biden, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, arguing that he was abruptly removed via a one-sentence email with no justification for why his five-year term was cut short.
Jackson had previously issued a ruling that kept Dellinger in his position through Thursday night, but the latest order extends his tenure further while the case is reviewed.
As the legal fight unfolds, the question remains: Will the courts ultimately uphold Dellinger’s removal, or will they reinforce protections for independent government watchdogs?