The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow President Trump to fire a government lawyer who leads a watchdog agency. The administration's emergency application asked the court to vacate a federal trial judge's order temporarily reinstating Hampton Dellinger, the head of the Office of Special Counsel. Mr. Dellinger leads an independent agency charged with safeguarding government whistle-blowers and enforcing certain ethics laws. The position is unrelated to special counsels appointed by the Justice Department.
The administration's filing argues that the lower courts should not be allowed to seize executive power by dictating to the president how long he must continue employing an agency head against his will. The filing also argues that Mr. Dellinger's firing is justified because he has lost the president's confidence.
The Supreme Court is expected to consider the administration's request in the coming days. If the court grants the request, it would be a significant victory for the Trump administration. It would also be a setback for government whistle-blowers and those who believe that the Office of Special Counsel is an important watchdog agency.
5 Comments
Marishka
This will restore the president's authority and allow him to appoint someone he trusts to lead the Office of Special Counsel.
Pupsik
This will help to protect the integrity of the government and ensure that laws are being followed.
Marishka
This is a necessary step to remove a rogue government official who is abusing his power.
Pupsik
This is a victory for corruption and a defeat for the American people.
Marishka
We must never give up on the fight for justice.