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US Judge Declares Trump's Firing of Watchdog Agency Head Illegal.

A U.S. judge has ruled that President Donald Trump's firing of the head of a federal watchdog agency is illegal, in an early test of the scope of presidential power likely to be decided at the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling comes after a lengthy legal battle over the authority of the Office of Special Counsel, which protects whistleblowers and reviews unethical practices within the executive branch. The decision marks a significant victory for Democrats, who have sought to limit Trump's ability to control federal agencies.

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US Watchdog Agency Chief Removed After Appeals Court Approves Firing by Trump Δ1.86

The head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, Hampton Dellinger, was removed from his position following a federal appeals court ruling that allowed President Donald Trump to terminate him without explanation. This decision comes amidst a broader initiative by Trump to reshape the federal government, which includes controversial firings and agency restructuring. Dellinger's removal raises significant concerns about the implications for whistleblower protections and the independence of federal oversight agencies.

Us Judge Says Mass Firings of some Federal Workers Likely Illegal Δ1.83

A California judge has ruled that thousands of federal workers were likely unlawfully fired by the Trump administration as part of its effort to slash the federal workforce, highlighting the impact on low-level employees and sparking concerns about accountability. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had instructed agencies to terminate probationary employees using authority it does not possess, US District Judge William Alsup ruled. This decision is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding mass firings at the federal level.

Trump's Power to Remove Labor Board Official Has Limits, US Judge Suggests Δ1.79

A federal judge on Friday seemed deeply skeptical of a Trump administration lawyer's claim that she lacks the power to reverse President Donald Trump's removal of a Democratic member from a federal labor relations board. U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan expressed frustration with claims by Alexander Resar of the U.S. Department of Justice that the constitutional separation of powers bars courts from forcing the president to reinstate someone even if they find that a firing was illegal. The FLRA, which was created by Congress to be independent from the White House, hears disputes between federal agencies and their employees' unions.

Trump Sued by Democrats for Seeking Control over Federal Election Commission Δ1.79

The Democratic Party has sued President Donald Trump over his recent executive order, which it claims violates federal election law by giving him too much power over the independent Federal Election Commission. The lawsuit alleges that the order undermines the commission's purpose and allows a single partisan figure to rig campaign rules and resolve disputes against opponents. The complaint seeks a declaration that a federal law shielding the commission from presidential coercion is constitutional.

US Federal Workers Hit Back at Trump Mass Firings with Class Action Complaints Δ1.79

U.S. government employees who have been fired in the Trump administration's purge of recently hired workers are responding with class action-style complaints claiming that the mass firings are illegal and tens of thousands of people should get their jobs back. These cases were filed at the civil service board amid political turmoil, as federal workers seek to challenge the unlawful terminations and potentially secure their reinstatement. The Merit Systems Protection Board will review these appeals, which could be brought to a standstill if President Trump removes its only Democratic member, Cathy Harris.

Trump Administration Accused of Sidestepping Court Rulings Amid Spree of Legal Losses Δ1.79

The Trump administration continues to face setbacks in court over its efforts to drastically downsize the size of the federal government, with plaintiffs accusing the government of trying to sidestep judicial orders and ignore court decisions. A federal judge in California found a U.S. Office of Personnel Management memo that directed the firing of thousands of probationary employees was unlawful and should be rescinded, while another in Washington, D.C. ordered the restoration of foreign aid that was supposed to be freed weeks ago. The plaintiffs — and the judge — have accused the government of continued stonewalling.

Trump's Orders Targeting Law Firms Raise Constitutional Concerns, Experts Say Δ1.77

President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at terminating security clearances and imposing restrictions on law firms Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling have sparked significant legal scrutiny, raising questions about potential violations of constitutional protections. Legal experts argue that these actions may constitute retribution against lawyers who have previously opposed Trump, particularly as these firms represent key adversaries in ongoing legal battles. The implications of these orders could have far-reaching effects on attorney-client relationships and the principle of due process in legal representation.

US Board Reinstates Thousands of USDA Employees Fired by Trump Administration Δ1.77

The U.S. Merit System Protection Board has ordered the temporary reinstatement of thousands of federal workers who lost their jobs as part of President Donald Trump's layoffs of the federal workforce, following a federal judge's ruling that blocked Trump from removing the board's Democratic chair without cause. The decision brings relief to employees who were fired in February and could potentially pave the way for further reviews of similar terminations. As the administration appeals this decision, it remains unclear whether other affected workers will be reinstated.

Trump Administration Official to Brief Congress on USAID Δ1.77

Pete Marocco, deputy administrator-designate at the U.S. Agency for International Development, will provide an update on foreign aid review and reorganization amid concerns over staff layoffs and program dismantling. The move comes as thousands of staff have been put on leave and contractors terminated since Trump began his second term, sparking fears about humanitarian consequences and democratic oversight. Critics argue that the administration's actions are illegal and unconstitutional.

US Foreign Aid Contractors Face Judge After Supreme Court Boost Δ1.77

The case before US District Judge Amir Ali represents an early test of the legality of Trump's aggressive moves since returning to the presidency in January to assert power over federal spending, including funding approved by Congress. The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision to uphold Ali's emergency order for the administration to promptly release funding to contractors and recipients of grants has given plaintiffs a new lease on life. However, despite the Supreme Court's action, the future of the funding remains unclear.

US Judge Reinstates Democratic Labor Board Member Fired by Trump Δ1.77

A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump's dismissal of Gwynne Wilcox from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was unlawful, ordering her immediate reinstatement. This decision restores a critical quorum of three members to the NLRB, which had been unable to address important labor cases following her removal in January. The ruling underscores the legal protections that exist for labor board members, emphasizing the importance of adherence to federal labor laws regarding member removal.

Trump Administration Fires Senior Justice Department Officials Δ1.76

The Trump administration dismissed two senior officials at the U.S. Justice Department, including Liz Oyer, the pardon attorney, and Bobak Talebian, head of the Office of Information Policy, as part of a broader effort to remove career officials. These firings reflect a trend of undermining established positions within the department, traditionally held across different administrations, raising concerns about the integrity of its operations. The dismissals come amid ongoing tensions regarding the administration's commitment to its agenda and the trust placed in career officials.

Trump Axes Security Clearances for Law Firm Perkins Coie Δ1.76

The U.S. government has taken a significant step in regulating the law firm Perkins Coie, stripping its employees of federal security clearances due to concerns over diversity practices and political activities. President Donald Trump launched this probe into other legal firms, citing the need to end "lawfare" and hold those accountable for engaging in it. The move is seen as a response to criticism from Trump allies and White House officials regarding Perkins Coie's past work.

US Supreme Court Won't Let Trump Withhold Payment to Foreign Aid Groups Δ1.75

The US Supreme Court has handed a setback to President Donald Trump's administration by upholding a lower court order that requires the release of funding to foreign aid organizations for work they already performed. The court's 5-4 decision allows the agencies to disburse the nearly $2 billion in frozen funds, which had been threatened with being withheld due to Trump's "America First" agenda. This ruling marks a significant victory for aid groups and humanitarian organizations that relied on these payments to continue their work around the world.

Us Judge Further Blocks Trump's Order Curbing Youth Gender-Affirming Care Δ1.75

A federal judge has extended an order preventing the Trump administration from withholding federal funding from medical providers in four Democratic-led states that offer gender-affirming care to transgender youth. U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King deemed two of Trump's executive orders unconstitutional, stating they infringe on Congress's authority and violate the equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment. This ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding the rights of transgender individuals and the provision of healthcare for minors.

Second Judge Blocks Trump's Sweeping Freeze on Federal Funding Δ1.75

A federal judge has issued a ruling that prevents the Trump administration from enforcing its proposed freeze on federal funding directed at programs that do not align with its policies, marking a significant legal setback for the administration. The injunction, granted by U.S. District Judge John McConnell, follows a similar decision made by another judge and highlights concerns regarding executive overreach and the separation of powers. As the administration plans to appeal the ruling, the situation raises questions about the future of federal funding and the administration's ability to implement its agenda.

CFPB Staff and Leaders Clash Over Agency's Fate Δ1.74

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is embroiled in a contentious battle between its leadership and staff over whether they are allowed to continue working despite claims of a shutdown. A key agency executive, Adam Martinez, will testify next week after a judge expressed concerns about the agency's fate. The dispute centers on whether the Trump administration is attempting to dismantle the CFPB or if it has allowed workers to continue their legally required duties.

Trump Justice Department Fires Head of Organized Crime Drug Task Force Δ1.74

The head of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Adam Cohen, was dismissed by the Trump administration, marking a significant shift as the task force is redirected to focus on illegal immigration under a new initiative. Cohen expressed his shock at the termination, emphasizing the apolitical nature of his work in combating crime, which he believed was being undermined by political motives. This incident reflects a broader pattern of purging career officials within the Justice Department, raising concerns about the independence and integrity of federal law enforcement.

CIA Fires Officers at Will, Raising National Security Concerns Δ1.74

The Central Intelligence Agency's recent firings of probationary employees raise concerns about its ability to conduct essential national security missions due to a loss of experienced officers. The move, under the Trump administration's new CIA director John Ratcliffe, has sparked fears that it may compromise the agency's intelligence collection and analysis efforts. As the US continues to face global threats, the CIA's personnel decisions have significant implications for the country's safety.

Supreme Court Rejects Trump Bid to Withhold $2bn in Foreign Aid Δ1.74

The US Supreme Court has rejected a request by the Trump administration to withhold nearly $2bn in payments to foreign aid organisations for work they have already performed for the government. The court upheld a lower court ruling ordering the administration to release the funds to contractors and grant recipients of the US Agency for International Development and the State Department. This decision marks a significant victory for President Barack Obama's aid programmes, which were previously targeted by Trump's cost-cutting initiatives.

Diversity Dismissals Begin at Top US Intelligence Agency, Lawyer Says Δ1.73

Officials involved in diversity, equality, inclusion and accessibility programs at the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence have been ordered to resign or be fired, the lawyer for two of the officials said on Friday. This move has sparked concerns about the erosion of inclusivity and equity in the nation's top intelligence agency. The decision comes as part of a broader trend of rolling back diversity initiatives under President Donald Trump's administration.

US Labor Department Reinstates Workers Targeted in Trump Job Cuts, Union Says Δ1.73

The U.S. Department of Labor has reinstated about 120 employees who were facing termination as part of the Trump administration's mass firings of recently hired workers, a union said on Friday. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union, said the probationary employees had been reinstated immediately and the department was issuing letters telling them to report back to duty on Monday. This decision reverses earlier actions taken by the Labor Department, which had placed some employees on administrative leave.

Trump Administration's Deportation Policies Under Fire in Federal Court Δ1.73

The Trump administration's decision to end temporary protections against deportation for thousands of Haitian and Venezuelan migrants living in the United States has been challenged in a federal court lawsuit, citing racial bias and discriminatory policies. The lawsuit argues that the administration lacked authority under the statute governing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to reverse the extension granted by Democratic former President Joe Biden's administration last year. The decision will have far-reaching consequences for hundreds of thousands of migrants who could face deportation and loss of work permits.

Trump Restricts Loan Forgiveness for Nonprofit Workers Δ1.73

President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting eligibility for a government-run student loan forgiveness program, targeting individuals whose work for nonprofit organizations clashes with the administration’s immigration and other policies. The order aims to exclude employees of organizations involved in “criminal means” or violating immigration law from receiving debt cancellation. Critics argue that this move undermines the public service forgiveness program's purpose.

Foreign Aid Groups Ask Us Supreme Court to Require Trump to Release Funds Δ1.73

Foreign aid organizations have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to compel the Trump administration to release nearly $2 billion in withheld payments for work already completed by contractors and grantees associated with USAID and the State Department. A federal judge had mandated these payments, arguing that the ongoing funding freeze would cause irreparable harm to both the organizations and the vulnerable populations they serve. The case highlights the tension between governmental authority and the operational capabilities of independent agencies as foreign aid efforts face severe disruptions.