Federal Judge Rules Trump's Firing of Whistleblower Agency Chief Unlawful

Judge Amy Berman Jackson determined the dismissal of Hampton Dellinger violated legal protections for agency independence, setting up a potential Supreme Court battle.

Hampton Dellinger, head of the U.S. whistleblower protection agency, was fired by Donald Trump on February 7 without a stated reason, prompting a legal challenge.
Federal Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled the dismissal unlawful, citing insufficient justification and emphasizing the importance of agency independence.
The White House argued that restrictions on the president's ability to fire agency heads are unconstitutional, but the judge rejected this claim, warning it could undermine the agency's core mission.
The Supreme Court, with a conservative majority including three Trump-appointed justices, may ultimately decide the case as further appeals are expected.
Trump's broader efforts to downsize the federal government, supported by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, have drawn public protests over alleged harsh and illegal practices.