Trump’s Removal Of Federal Watchdog Moves Forward After Appeals Court Ruling

A federal court has cleared the way for President Donald Trump to remove Hampton Dellinger from his role at the Office of Special Counsel, striking down an earlier decision that sought to reinstate him.

The DC Circuit Court of Appeals granted a request from the Justice Department to put on hold a ruling by Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who had declared Dellinger’s firing unlawful. The three-judge panel’s ruling means Trump’s dismissal of Dellinger will stand while the case continues through the legal system.

Jackson had previously ruled that Dellinger was entitled to keep his position, arguing that his office was designed to function independently. The Office of Special Counsel investigates wrongdoing within the federal government and works to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

Trump’s legal team challenged Jackson’s order, asserting that the Constitution grants the president broad authority to remove executive branch officials. Government attorneys contended that her decision exceeded judicial authority and restricted presidential powers.

Dellinger, a Biden appointee, could now take the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has already reviewed aspects of the case but previously declined to intervene. Meanwhile, the appeals court has ordered an expedited review, signaling that a final decision may come in the near future.

The case has drawn attention due to its potential impact on how independent agencies function under presidential administrations, particularly regarding executive control over appointments and dismissals.

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