The head of a government ethics watchdog agency, who was fired by President Donald Trump, has urged the Supreme Court to reject an emergency appeal from the administration. The fired official, named special counsel by President Joe Biden, was terminated by the Trump administration on February 7, despite legal protections that limit dismissal to specific reasons such as inefficiency or malfeasance.
The case revolves around the firing of special counsel Hampton Dellinger, who secured a temporary restraining order from a federal judge in Washington allowing him to remain in his position while the courts review his case. The Justice Department has appealed this order, arguing that it represents an unprecedented challenge to the separation of powers.
In response to the appeal, Dellinger's attorney cautioned the Supreme Court about the potential consequences of accepting the case, warning that it could lead to a flood of similar emergency appeals from the Justice Department. The attorney emphasized that temporary restraining orders are typically not subject to appeal.
The Office of Special Counsel, where Dellinger was employed, deals with allegations of whistleblower retaliation and operates as an independent agency. The case has drawn attention due to the clash between the Trump administration's actions and the legal protections afforded to officials in such positions.
