A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove the head of the Office of Special Counsel, Hampton Dellinger, was “unlawful.” The judge stated that Dellinger’s job is to expose unethical practices and protect whistleblowers, and removing him could chill his work. Trump fired Dellinger by email, sparking a legal challenge. The judge issued a stay preventing Dellinger’s removal while his case proceeded, and the appeals court upheld this decision. The Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that limiting the president’s ability to manage the executive branch was harmful. The Supreme Court temporarily allowed Dellinger to remain in his position while the case continued. Dellinger, appointed by President Joe Biden, emphasized the importance of his independence in fulfilling his role. The White House filed a notice of appeal after the judge’s ruling. This legal battle highlights the tension between the president’s power to remove appointees and the need for independence in oversight roles within the federal government.
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