Officials file legal action against terminations
In a series of moves that have sent shockwaves through the Inspector General (IG) community, eight federal IGs, including those from the U.S. Agency for International Development, have filed a lawsuit seeking to be reinstated to their positions.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, argues that their oustings were unlawful due to a lack of congressional notice and justifications. Cathy Harris, a Democratic Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) member, is among those seeking a temporary restraining order to block her removal.
Harris' term on the MSPB is set to end in 2028, but she was fired by President Donald Trump on Monday. Her lawyers argue that the MSPB's ability to protect the civil service is needed now more than ever.
The IGs contend that they are entitled to return to Senior Executive Service (SES) positions if their removals are not for misconduct, neglect, or malfeasance. This contention stems from the fact that the president can only remove an MSPB member for "inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office."
One of the most controversial allegations concerns OSC (Office of Special Counsel) employee Marn'i Washington. It is alleged that Washington was instructed by President Trump to avoid homes with Trump campaign signage when responding in Florida to Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, who was also fired by Trump, was reinstated at least through Thursday by a federal judge. Dellinger has since filed a Hatch Act complaint with the MSPB seeking discipline against Washington.
The IG firings are not the only changes in federal leadership. Trump has appointed new chairpersons to several institutions. For instance, Richard Grenell was named as interim president of an institution during his second presidential term starting January 20, 2025, and Stephen Miran was appointed as temporary successor to Adriana Kugler in the Federal Reserve Board of Governors after her unexpected resignation.
The ousted IGs served at various departments, including Defense, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, State, Agriculture, Education, Labor departments, and the Small Business Administration.
In addition to seeking reinstatement, the IGs are also requesting back pay and benefits. The situation is a complex web of power dynamics and legal battles, with implications for the integrity and independence of federal oversight bodies.
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