Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Firing of Top Government Watchdog, Reinstates OSC Chief
DOGE (Department of Government EXTINCTION) TRACKER UPDATE
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DOGE v. OSC
📅 Date: February 13, 2025
📰 Action:
In a significant legal setback for the Trump administration, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson has temporarily reinstated Hampton Dellinger as the head of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) after his abrupt dismissal by President Donald Trump. The ruling blocks the administration’s attempt to replace Dellinger with Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins while the court reviews the legality of his removal.
The OSC is a key watchdog agency responsible for protecting whistleblowers and enforcing federal Hatch Act violations, which prevent government employees from engaging in partisan political activity. Dellinger, appointed by President Joe Biden for a five-year term, was removed without cause, prompting immediate legal challenges. Federal law states that the Special Counsel can only be removed for specific reasons, such as inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.
🔍 Consequences:
Judicial Blow to Trump’s Overreach: The court's ruling is a major check on Trump's efforts to purge independent oversight agencies and consolidate power within the executive branch.
OSC’s Critical Role in Government Oversight: The OSC investigates whistleblower complaints and ethics violations within the federal government. Undermining the agency would weaken critical safeguards against corruption.
Ongoing Legal Battle: The judge’s ruling is temporary, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks. If the case proceeds, it could establish a precedent protecting independent agency heads from politically motivated firings.
🚨 Why This Matters:
This is yet another power grab by the Trump administration aimed at dismantling the guardrails of democracy. The Office of Special Counsel exists to keep the government accountable—something that DOGE and its allies clearly see as an obstacle. By firing Dellinger and attempting to install a loyalist, Trump is sending a clear message: whistleblowers and watchdogs are not welcome.
📌 Sources:
Reuters: Judge Keeps US Watchdog Official Targeted by Trump in Job—for Now
Politico: Judge to Trump-terminated ethics watchdog: You’re un-fired
AP News: With firings and lax enforcement, Trump moving to dismantle government’s public integrity guardrails
Join the Fight, Amplify the Truth
Because silence is surrender. We never surrender. We are #TheRelentless.