A federal judge has compared President Donald Trump to a "bull in a china shop" while reinstating special counsel Hampton Dellinger, whom Trump had fired.
Newsweek has contacted Dellinger and the director of the Presidential Personnel Office for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Dellinger oversaw an office where federal employees could report wrongdoing and be afforded legal protection. In January, Trump, who has vowed to slash the federal budget and close agencies and entire departments, dismissed 17 inspectors general who served as independent watchdogs within federal agencies. Dellinger's firing would likewise help dismantle oversight within the federal government.
What To Know
Trump's predecessor, President Joe Biden, appointed Dellinger to a five-year term as special counsel, which the Senate confirmed last year.
On February 7, Sergio N. Gor—identified in his email signature as "Assistant to the President, Director of Presidential Personnel Office"—sent Dellinger an email that said, "On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Special Counsel of the US Office of Special Counsel is terminated, effective immediately."
The following Monday, Dellinger sued the Trump administration in federal court, arguing that his dismissal was illegal.
On February 12, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson temporarily reinstated Dellinger, with a full hearing scheduled for February 26.
In a footnote to her written order, the judge castigated the White House lawyers for claiming in her court that reinstating Dellinger would cause too much disruption in the special counsel's office.
"Defendants imply that it would be too disruptive to the business of the agency to have Special Counsel Dellinger resume his work. But any disruption to the work of the agency was occasioned by the White House. It's as if the bull in the china shop looked back over his shoulder and said, 'What a mess!'"
She added, "Moreover, any disruption caused by the proposed temporary restraining order would be minimal; plaintiff served as Special Counsel from March 6, 2024 through the end of the workday on Friday, February 7, 2025."
What People Are Saying
Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger said in a statement after the ruling: "I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue leading the Office of Special Counsel and I am resuming my work tonight."
What Happens Next
In the hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. on February 26, Jackson is expected to decide whether to impose a preliminary injunction preventing the White House from firing Dellinger. She has said that if imposed, the preliminary injunction could be appealed to a higher court.
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About the writer
Sean O'Driscoll is a Newsweek Senior Crime and Courts Reporter based in Ireland. His focus is reporting on U.S. law. ... Read more