Federal Court Backs Trump In Dispute Over Special Counsel Firing
President Donald Trump’s decision to remove Hampton Dellinger from the Office of Special Counsel has been upheld for now, as a federal appeals court ruled in favor of allowing the termination to proceed.
The DC Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a previous order from Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who had reinstated Dellinger after determining that the dismissal violated federal law. The three-judge panel, which included appointments from multiple administrations, sided with the Trump administration’s argument that the president has the authority to remove agency officials.
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Major win for President Trump:
The DC Circuit stays Obama DC Judge Amy Berman Jackson’s order reinstating the Special Counsel against President Trump’s will.
In other words:
Hampton Dellinger, You’re Fired! pic.twitter.com/6onmY2OoSo
— 🇺🇸 Mike Davis 🇺🇸 (@mrddmia) March 5, 2025
The Justice Department argued that Jackson’s ruling interfered with executive powers, asserting that the Constitution gives the president the ability to remove appointees from leadership roles. Government attorneys also said Jackson lacked the authority to reinstate Dellinger, as doing so would improperly limit presidential control over federal offices.
Dellinger, who was appointed during the Biden administration, had been overseeing investigations into misconduct among federal employees and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. Jackson, in her ruling, defended his reinstatement, stating that his role should not be subject to removal without cause.
DC appellate court puts hold on Judge Amy Berman Jackson order reinstating Hampton Dellinger as special counsel.
He’s out for now as appeal advances on expedited basis at DC circuit. pic.twitter.com/KvBF1ttsnI
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) March 5, 2025
The case may head to the U.S. Supreme Court, as Dellinger is expected to challenge the ruling. The high court previously declined to intervene at an earlier stage, allowing lower courts to review the matter first.
The appeals court has ordered a fast-tracked review of the case, meaning a resolution could come sooner rather than later.
Sit down Hampton Dellinger. Resign. We don't want you in any position of power. @HampDellinger
— Freya J. 🇺🇸🇮🇸 (@FarmerGirlFreya) March 2, 2025