Head of the Office of Special Counsel in federal agency sues President Donald Trump for illegal termination. The lawsuit, filed in Washington federal court, argues that the action violates established civil service protections. The firing of Hampton Dellinger, notified via email from the White House personnel director, is part of Trump’s administration’s efforts to overhaul government agencies and remove staff. Dellinger’s lawsuit points out that a special counsel can only be removed by the president for specific reasons, such as inefficiency or neglect of duty, which do not apply in this case. The Office of Special Counsel, responsible for enforcing laws related to federal employees, including the Hatch Act, is an independent agency distinct from Justice Department special counsels.
