Judge Orders Biden-Appointed Federal Employee Reinstated After Trump’s Firing

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that a Biden-appointed member of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) must be reinstated after being removed by President Donald Trump. The decision raises legal questions about the president’s authority to dismiss officials from independent agencies.

Judge Rudolph Contreras, an Obama appointee, issued the order in favor of Cathy Harris, who was terminated on February 10. Harris, who was appointed to a seven-year term in 2022, was removed through a brief email stating that her position had been terminated immediately.

The court’s ruling prevents any replacement from taking her seat while the case moves forward. Contreras stated that Harris was likely to succeed in proving her dismissal was unlawful, citing a 1935 Supreme Court precedent that limits a president’s ability to fire officials from independent boards.

Harris’ attorney, Linda Correia, argued in court that her removal caused harm by preventing her from carrying out her responsibilities. The Justice Department, however, maintained that Trump has the authority to remove board members at will, calling any attempt to block the dismissal a restriction on executive power.

The case now heads to the appeals court and is expected to be reviewed by the Supreme Court. Another case involving Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, who was also dismissed by Trump, is already pending before the justices.

This legal dispute could have broader implications for independent federal agencies, including inspectors general and the National Labor Relations Board, as the Supreme Court considers whether the president has full authority over removals.

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