Lawyers for the Trump administration filed a notice of appeal late Feb. 10 after U.S. Judge Amy Berman Jackson reinstated the head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), which protects government whistleblowers. The official sued the Trump administration earlier on Monday, challenging the president’s decision to remove them from office.
Hampton Dellinger, appointed to lead the OSC in 2023 by former President Joe Biden, said he received a one sentence email from White House personnel director Sergio Gor on Friday regarding the immediate termination of his position.
“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Special Counsel of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel is terminated, effective immediately,” the email read.
Dellinger, whose five-year term was confirmed by the Senate in 2024, argued that his firing was in violation of a U.S. law outlining that he must be removed for cause. Dellinger argued his firing lacked basis, justification, and authority.
Federal law permits that a special counsel be removed by the president for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.
“Congress authorized the OSC with a crucial investigative and oversight role to protect the integrity of the civil service in circumstances such as these,” reads Dellinger’s lawsuit filed by Hecker Fink LLP. “The recent spate of terminations of protected civil service employees under the new presidential administration has created controversies,...
Live on Inside Edition Live Caught on Camera New York Minute Action + Most Heartstopping Moments of 2019Watch Now - Caught on Camera Random Acts of Violence + Jaw-Dropping Action 4:59 - 5:29 PM PDT...