Today, a federal judge ruled in favor of Cathy Harris, a member of the federal Merit Systems Protection Board who was dismissed by President Donald Trump. The judge, Rudolph Contreras, appointed by President Barack Obama, ordered Harris to be temporarily reinstated while her firing is under review.
The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent entity responsible for reviewing claims of civil service law violations by federal employees. Harris' lawsuit challenges the legality of her dismissal and questions the Trump administration's authority to quickly consolidate power within the executive branch.
This case is part of a larger legal battle testing the administration's ability to remove members of independent boards that are typically protected from at-will dismissals. Another similar case involving special counsel Hampton Dellinger is currently awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court in an emergency appeal.
Harris' lawsuit may present a significant challenge to a 1935 Supreme Court precedent that allows Congress to mandate that presidents provide cause before firing members of independent government boards. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power between the executive branch and independent oversight entities.
