Federal Judge Temporarily Reinstates Fired Whistleblower Agency Chief

Hampton Dellinger sues Trump administration over alleged unlawful dismissal, citing statutory protections for his role.

Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), was fired via email on February 7 by the Trump administration without stated cause.
Dellinger filed a lawsuit claiming his termination violated federal laws that allow removal only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued a temporary order allowing Dellinger to remain in his role through at least February 13 while the case is reviewed.
The Justice Department has filed an appeal against the judge's order, as the Trump administration continues to defend its actions.
Dellinger’s firing is part of a broader pattern of terminations by Trump, including 17 inspectors general and other federal officials, raising concerns about retaliation against whistleblowers.