A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump's attempt to fire a key watchdog agency chief was illegal, emphasizing the importance of job protections for federal officials. US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson's decision reinforces the independence of federal agencies amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and various oversight bodies.
The case centers around the Trump administration's efforts to dismiss special counsel Henry Dellinger, who was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate to a five-year term. Lawyers for Trump argued that keeping Dellinger in his position infringed upon the former president's authority over officials serving in his administration. However, Judge Jackson rejected this argument, stating that upholding Trump's ability to remove Dellinger would effectively grant him "a constitutional license to bully officials in the executive branch into doing his will."
Jackson has previously ruled that Dellinger could remain in his role while the court deliberated on the matter. She noted that the special counsel's responsibilities include reviewing unethical or unlawful practices affecting federal civil servants and aiding whistleblowers who risk reprisals for their actions. Her ruling, described as "extremely narrow," does not diminish Trump's overall powers but instead reinforces statutory protections designed to maintain integrity within federal agencies.
Dellinger has continued his work despite the administration’s attempts to terminate him, playing a pivotal role in halting the dismissal of six probationary government workers targeted by Trump’s team. Following Jackson's ruling, the Justice Department filed a notice indicating its intent to appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris contended that Dellinger's ongoing presence as special counsel was detrimental to the Trump administration.
Judge Jackson remarked on the irony of the situation, stating, “It would be ironic, to say the least, and inimical to the ends furthered by the statute if the special counsel himself could be chilled in his work by fear of arbitrary or partisan removal.” She highlighted that Dellinger's position is unique within the landscape of federal oversight agencies, saying, “This is the only single-headed agency left for the courts to consider, and it is unlike any of them.”
In response to the ruling, Dellinger expressed gratitude, stating he was "grateful to see the court confirm the importance and legality of the job protections Congress afforded my position." This legal battle underscores a broader struggle over presidential authority and agency independence, particularly as Trump has sought to rein in oversight functions across various federal bodies, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.