The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in its bid to remove Hampton Dellinger as the head of the Office of Special Counsel, a watchdog agency that protects government whistleblowers. The Justice Department filed an emergency request to lift a lower court’s temporary order reinstating Dellinger, arguing that blocking his removal undermines the president’s authority. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris called the ruling an “unprecedented assault on the separation of powers,” emphasizing that the president should not be forced to retain an agency head against his will.
Dellinger, appointed by former President Joe Biden for a five-year term expiring in 2029, was informed of his dismissal via email on February 7 and subsequently sued, arguing that his removal lacked legal justification. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson reinstated him with a temporary restraining order, stating that his firing “plainly contravenes” federal laws protecting the independence of the Special Counsel. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals later dismissed the administration’s appeal as premature, as the case remains in its early stages.
The Office of Special Counsel plays a crucial role in investigating whistleblower complaints and enforcing the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities of federal employees. Trump’s push to remove Dellinger follows his broader efforts to purge officials responsible for investigating government misconduct, including the recent dismissal of 17 inspectors general without explanation. The Supreme Court’s decision on the case could set a precedent for presidential authority over independent agencies.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
