Supreme Court Halts Trump's Bid to Oust Whistleblower Agency Head

The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily stopped former President Donald Trump from removing the head of a federal watchdog agency. Trump's attempt to fire Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel is under judicial review. Dellinger claims Trump exceeded his presidential powers.

The United States Supreme Court on Friday decided to delay former President Donald Trump's attempt to immediately remove Hampton Dellinger, the head of a federal watchdog agency. The court's postponement follows a temporary block issued by a judge, which prevents Trump from ousting Dellinger for now.

The Supreme Court is awaiting further deliberations set for February 26 when the temporary restraining order, issued by Judge Amy Berman Jackson, is set to expire. Jackson's order, issued on February 12, hinges on whether Dellinger's firing exceeded the then-president's legal powers.

Dellinger, appointed by former President Biden, filed a lawsuit contending that his firing by Trump was illegal. The case spotlights Trump's aggressive reshaping of federal agencies and his claims of expansive executive authority, which Attorney General Sarah Harris regards as a threat to the separation of powers.