Supreme Court Blocks Trump from Swiftly Ousting Agency Chief

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Stay of Donald Trump's Attempt to Dismiss Federal Watchdog

Background

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to grant President Donald Trump's request to immediately dismiss Hampton Dellinger, the head of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). The OSC is an independent agency responsible for protecting government whistleblowers.

Court's Decision

The Court's decision upholds a February 12 order from a lower court that had temporarily blocked Trump's removal of Dellinger. The decision means that Dellinger will remain in his position while the legal dispute over his dismissal continues.

The Justice Department had requested the Supreme Court to lift the stay, arguing that the lower court's order interfered with the President's constitutional authority. However, the Court declined to intervene, allowing the stay to remain in place.

A view of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, U.S., July 19, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File Photo