Federal Appeals Court Allows Trump To Move Forward With Firing Of Special Counsel

President Donald Trump has secured a legal victory in his effort to remove Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel, with a federal appeals court ruling that his dismissal can take effect while the case remains under review.

The DC Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling after the Justice Department challenged an earlier decision from Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who had ordered Dellinger’s reinstatement. The three-judge panel, made up of appointees from different administrations, agreed with the government’s argument that Trump has the authority to remove agency officials without restriction.

Jackson had argued that federal law protects the role from arbitrary dismissal, stating that Dellinger’s office was created to function independently. The Office of Special Counsel investigates allegations of government misconduct and provides safeguards for whistleblowers. The Justice Department countered that the Constitution grants the president the power to remove executive branch personnel.

Dellinger, who was appointed under President Joe Biden, previously fought to keep his position, contending that his role was legally protected. His legal team had urged the court to uphold Jackson’s ruling, arguing that his removal would undermine protections for whistleblowers and weaken the office’s independence.

With the appeals court granting a stay on Jackson’s ruling, Trump’s decision to remove Dellinger will stand for now. The court has also expedited its review of the case, suggesting a final ruling could come soon.

Dellinger could take his challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court, which previously declined to intervene but may be asked to review the case again.

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