A federal judge has briefly extended an order keeping Hampton Dellinger, the head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, in his role after former President Donald Trump dismissed him without explanation. The decision, made by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, extends Dellinger’s reinstatement until at least Saturday as she prepares a permanent ruling that could escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The case is shaping up to be an early challenge to Trump’s authority, with the administration asserting that the president has unchecked power to remove officials. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris contended that Dellinger’s continued presence was obstructing executive actions, citing his intervention in halting the dismissals of six government employees.
During a hearing in Washington, Jackson appeared to back the argument that Trump lacks unilateral authority to fire the special counsel without cause. She emphasized that the role was designed to maintain independence despite being part of the Executive Branch. “He gets to tell the administration it’s not doing the right thing—it’s not complying with the law,” she remarked.
Dellinger, appointed by President Joe Biden to a five-year term, was abruptly informed of his termination on February 7. Jackson initially ordered his reinstatement on February 10 after he sued to challenge the decision.
Trump administration attorneys have pushed back, arguing that any restriction on the president’s removal powers over executive officials is an overreach. “It’s limitless,” asserted government lawyer Madeline McMahon, defending Trump’s authority.
The Supreme Court had previously delayed a decision on the case but may be forced to take it up again depending on Jackson’s forthcoming ruling, which is expected to trigger another round of legal battles.
