A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump acted unlawfully in firing Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel — ordering his immediate reinstatement. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, challenges Trump’s authority to remove independent agency leaders without cause.
Dellinger was dismissed from his position on February 7 — part of a broader move by Trump to replace officials appointed under the previous administration. However, the statute governing the special counsel’s position states that removal is only permitted for specific reasons — including inefficiency or wrongdoing. Dellinger sued to challenge his firing — arguing that his term was protected by law.
Obama appointee and shameless Trump hater Judge Amy Berman Jackson last night issued the order we all expected–she declared the president's firing of Hampton Dellinger, head of Office of Special Counsel, was unlawful. (Reading thru her accompanying 67-page opinion now) pic.twitter.com/u21A2kAQQN
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) March 2, 2025
Jackson ruled in favor of Dellinger — stating that the Office of Special Counsel was designed by Congress to operate independently and that removing statutory protections would weaken its oversight role. She also pointed out that the official notice of termination failed to provide any justification for the decision — further undermining the government’s case.
🚨JUST IN: The Judge in the Hampton Dellinger case ruled that President Trump’s firing of him was illegal. She declared firing illegal, and ordered Dellinger be reinstated as Special Counsel.
SCOTUS had already ruled with the two dissenting justices arguing reinstatement is… pic.twitter.com/TMJZB8ObKO
— Walter Curt (@WCdispatch_) March 2, 2025
As part of the ruling, the Office of Management and Budget and the Treasury Department have been directed to restore Dellinger to his previous position. The court’s order does not prevent Trump from continuing to contest the decision — but it does create a significant legal roadblock for his administration.
Crooked Judge Amy Berman Jackson made the dumbest point in history about President Trump firing Hampton Dellinger, the crooked special counsel, "His actual job is to be a check and balance on the president."
Can someone remind this witch that the Executive Branch is checked by… pic.twitter.com/oQLNZIK1JM
— George (@BehizyTweets) February 26, 2025
The Trump administration has already filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Supreme Court — which has been monitoring the case — may weigh in depending on the outcome of the appeal.
The case adds to the ongoing legal battles over Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government by removing officials he views as obstacles to his administration’s agenda. Further developments are expected in the weeks ahead.
