Top whistleblower advocate sues President Trump, alleging ‘unlawful’ firing
The leader of an independent federal ethics agency has filed a lawsuit claiming he was illegally fired by President Trump, the latest attempted removal of a political appointee that may violate the law.
The Office of Special Counsel investigates and prosecutes violations of “prohibited personnel practices” like whistleblower retaliation, enforces ethics laws like the Hatch Act, and protects employment rights of military veterans.
The office’s leader, Hampton Dellinger, filed a lawsuit Monday in Washington, D.C., federal court after receiving a termination email Friday night.
“That email made no attempt to comply with the Special Counsel’s for-cause removal protection,” Dellinger’s suit reads. “It stated simply: ‘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.’ “
Federal law says the special counsel may be removed by the president “only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.”
Dellinger was nominated to serve a five-year term by former President Joe Biden in 2023 and confirmed by the Senate in 2024.
Neither the White House nor the Department of Justice has responded to requests for comment. The lawsuit was first reported by Politico.
Many politically appointed positions within the federal government see turnover when a new administration takes over, but Trump’s return to office has been marked by a wave of controversial removals that appear to flout federal regulations as part of a larger project of remaking — and sometimes breaking — the government.
That includes a Democratic member of the Federal Election Commission, who said last week Trump purported to remove her; Trump’s announcement suggesting he would name himself chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and remove other board members; and a suit from an ousted National Labor Relations Board member who said Trump’s firing broke the law.
Taiwan’s president pledges to defend island’s sovereignty after Chinese military drills
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to defend the self-ruled island's sovereignty in the face of what he termed China's "expansionist ambitions," days after Beijing wrapped up live-fire military drills near its shores.
Deaths reported during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy
The protests began due to economic pressures, with Iran's currency rapidly depreciating. Demonstrators have also chanted against the country's theocracy.
Congress failed to extend Obamacare subsidies. This Democrat says Trump can save them
Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., says he thinks the Senate can pass a "retroactive" Affordable Care Act subsidy extension, but "we need President Trump."
Rideshare union rights, social media limits and other state laws taking effect Jan. 1
Every new year, public media reporters across the country bring us some of the new state laws taking effect where they are. Here are six in 2026.
Guides to help you tackle your New Year’s resolutions
From building your strength to tackling credit card debt, NPR's Life Kit has a newsletter journey to help you tackle your New Year's resolution.
Guides to help you tackle your New Year’s resolutions
From building your strength to tackling credit card debt, NPR's Life Kit has a newsletter journey to help you tackle your New Year's resolution.
