A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has intervened in a dispute between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic chair Cathy Harris of a key U.S. agency. The agency, which handles appeals by federal government employees facing firing or discipline, was at the center of a legal standoff when Trump attempted to remove Harris from her position prematurely. Judge Rudolph Contreras ruled that Trump could not dismiss Harris without cause before her term ends in three years, citing the agency’s need for independence in fulfilling its mission.
The Merit Systems Protection Board, a crucial panel for federal workers seeking reinstatement after job loss, has become a focal point as the Trump administration aims to reduce the federal workforce. In a recent ruling, Contreras upheld the statutory protections for board members, limiting the president’s authority to remove them without valid reasons such as inefficiency or neglect of duty.
Harris, reinstated as chair by court order, expressed satisfaction with the decision and vowed to defend constitutional principles all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling.
The merit board’s role as a potential barrier to mass firings of probationary employees by the Trump administration was highlighted, with the board having already halted the firing of several such workers. Despite facing challenges in pursuing legal action through the merit board, thousands of federal employees have sought recourse since Trump took office.
Harris, appointed to the board by Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden, has become a key figure in the ongoing legal showdown over her removal. The case underscores the complexities and implications of executive authority in the federal government.
Publican, as acting chair of the board. Trump’s removal of Harris had threatened to result in the board losing quorum and being unable to decide cases, as the term of its remaining Democrat, Raymond Limon, expired on Friday. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Mike Scarcella in Washington DC; Additional reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot)
