EXCLUSIVE: Trump’s Firing Spree Hits a Snag With Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday prevented President Donald Trump from immediately firing government watchdog Hampton Dellinger, who leads the Office of Special Counsel.

The court put Trump’s emergency appeal on hold until Feb. 26, meaning Dellinger can remain on the job until at least then. But the 5-4 court did not weigh in on the specific legal questions the case presents, such as whether a lower court’s temporary order halting Dellinger’s firing should be blocked.

In his capacity, Dellinger responds to allegations by federal employees of retaliatory acts against whistleblowers.

After being notified via email on Feb. 7 of his immediate termination, Dellinger sued Trump, alleging that his dismissal was illegal. Dellinger cited law requiring that his removal can only occur due to “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” The email, according to court records, mentions no such thing.

“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 letter was signed and sent by Sergio Gor, director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office.

In a statement after Friday’s court ruling, Dellinger expressed a desire for his office to be free from “direct partisan” control.

“I am glad to be able to continue my work as an independent government watchdog and whistleblower advocate,” Dellinger said, according to CNN. “I am grateful to the judges and justices who have concluded that I should be allowed to remain on the job while the courts decide whether my office can retain a measure of independence from direct partisan and political control.”