In a recent legal battle over President Donald Trump’s authority to dismiss the special counsel, an appeals court in Washington removed Hampton Dellinger from his position at the Office of Special Counsel. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit sided with the Trump administration, allowing Dellinger’s immediate removal while the legality of his firing is still under debate. This case has sparked discussions about the extent of the president’s power to replace leaders of independent agencies, especially as the administration aims to restructure the federal government.

Dellinger’s lawyers argue that allowing the president to dismiss the special counsel without cause could hinder the office’s crucial role in protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. Despite Dellinger’s efforts to challenge Trump’s firing of probationary workers, his sudden removal has cast uncertainty over these actions. Dellinger, who is likely to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, sued Trump last month, claiming that his dismissal was illegal based on the restrictions on firing special counsels.

The Office of Special Counsel plays a vital role in safeguarding the federal workforce from illegal personnel actions, investigating whistleblower claims, and addressing government wrongdoing. Dellinger, appointed by President Joe Biden, was confirmed for a five-year term in 2024. Following a ruling from a government panel enforcing workers’ rights, over 5,000 employees terminated by the Trump administration at the U.S. Department of Agriculture are set to be reinstated. Dellinger has called for all federal agencies to reverse any unlawful terminations of probationary employees voluntarily and immediately.