A US court has dealt a major blow to former President Donald Trump. The court has declared Trump’s decision illegal and ordered the retention of federal surveillance agency chief Hampton Dellinger in his position. US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled in favour of Dellinger in the legal battle over the President’s right to remove the heads of independent agencies.
Trump’s decision unconstitutional: Court
US District Judge Jackson rejected the Trump administration’s claim that the special counsel’s removal protections were unconstitutional. The court said that allowing the president to remove the special counsel at will would negatively impact his important duties.
The matter can go to the Supreme Court
There is now a possibility that this case may reach the US Supreme Court. Hampton Dellinger filed a lawsuit last month challenging Trump’s decision. According to US law, the President can remove the special counsel only in case of incompetence, neglect of duty or abuse of power.
Dellinger was appointed by Joe Biden
Dellinger was appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden and the Senate, the upper house of the US Parliament, confirmed his name for a five-year term in 2024. But Donald Trump started the process of removing him as soon as he returned to power, which the court has declared illegal.
Judge Jackson delivered the historic verdict
Judge Jackson wrote in his decision that the special counsel should continue his work and maintain impartiality despite political changes. His decision is being considered a major setback for the Trump administration, as Trump was planning large-scale changes in government agencies.
Ban on dismissal of probationary employees
The decision comes at a time when Dellinger was challenging the dismissal of probationary employees in court. Many probationary employees were also fired as part of the Trump administration’s large-scale removal of government employees. But on Tuesday a federal board put a stay on the dismissal of many employees.
Dellinger expressed happiness over the court’s decision
Following the verdict, Dellinger issued a statement on Saturday saying, “I am pleased and grateful that the court has acknowledged the importance and legitimacy of protecting my position.” He said the verdict is an important step in maintaining the autonomy of government agencies.
Big setback for Trump administration
This decision is a big setback for the Trump administration, as it was planning to make major changes in government agencies as soon as it returned to power. But this decision of the court has made it clear that arbitrary interference cannot be made in important positions such as the head of federal surveillance.
Legal battles ahead
Now it will be interesting to see whether the Trump administration appeals against this decision in the Supreme Court or not. If this matter goes to the Supreme Court, it may also affect the functioning of independent government agencies in the future. At present, there is a wave of happiness in the Democratic camp due to this decision of the court and it is being considered a victory for the independence of the judiciary.
