Unlawful

Maryland Leads Multi-State Legal Battle Against Federal Layoffs, Citing Unlawful Firings and Economic Strain

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WASHINGTON — Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is spearheading a legal challenge joined by 19 other states against the Trump administration’s sweeping dismissal of federal probationary workers. The coalition asserts that these layoffs not only violate federal laws but also subsequently burden state resources significantly. Brown announced the formation of this coalition on Thursday evening, highlighting the abrupt terminations as part of a broader effort by the administration to downsize the federal workforce. He maintained that the move infringes on necessary state-federal cooperation and imposes financial strains by escalating unemployment claims and associated administrative … Read more

Judge Rules Trump’s Dismissal of National Labor Relations Board Member Unlawful

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Washington, D.C. – A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump unlawfully terminated a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an agency critical in overseeing fair labor practices and collective bargaining rights in the United States. This unprecedented decision highlights ongoing concerns about the integrity of independent government agencies under political pressure. The case revolved around the termination of Sharon Block, an Obama-era appointee to the NLRB. Trump removed Block in 2017, shortly after taking office, a move that legal experts and labor advocates criticized as an overreach of executive powers. … Read more

Federal Judge Decides Trump’s Dismissal of Merit Board Chair Unlawful

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Washington, D.C. — A federal judge has ruled that Former President Donald Trump’s decision to remove the Chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) was illegal, marking a significant rebuke of the Trump administration’s handling of federal personnel issues. The judge’s decision underscores the need for consistent adherence to statutory limits on presidential authority. The MSPB, an independent agency that functions as a guardian of federal merit systems, ensures government employees are protected from unjust practices, including unwarranted removal or suspension. The decision to dismiss the Chairman, an Obama-era appointee, was challenged in court, … Read more

Federal Judge Rules Trump’s Dismissal of Watchdog Agency Head Unlawful, Sets Stage for Supreme Court Battle

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WASHINGTON — A federal judge’s recent ruling reaffirmed the constitutionality of limitations on the president’s authority to dismiss the leader of an autonomous watchdog, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court confrontation. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson upheld the job security of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel, who was abruptly dismissed by the White House on February 7. The Office of Special Counsel, a relatively minor yet influential entity, plays a crucial role in investigating whistleblower complaints and safeguarding the rights of federal employees. This agency is increasingly significant as … Read more