The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday to allow President Donald Trump to proceed with firing two Democratic members of federal labor boards, despite efforts from lower courts to block the dismissals.
The decision temporarily puts on hold rulings that had protected the officials, Cathy Harris from the Merit Systems Protection Board and Gwynne Wilcox from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), from being removed before their terms ended.
Chief Justice John Roberts, acting on behalf of the court, issued an administrative stay, granting more time for the justices to review the case while the litigation continues. Lawyers for the two labor board members are required to respond to the government’s request by April 15.
The legal dispute centers around Trump’s efforts to restructure the federal government, including firing thousands of federal employees and replacing them with his supporters.
In this case, the President seeks to remove Harris, appointed by President Biden in 2022, and Wilcox, who was reappointed by Biden in 2023. The dismissal of these officials is part of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape independent federal agencies and control key positions, including those overseeing labor and civil service issues.
The administration argued that preventing the removals of these officials hampers the President’s ability to implement his policies effectively.
However, federal judges previously ruled that certain protections shielded these officials from being fired without cause. This decision follows a 1935 Supreme Court ruling that limited the President’s ability to remove independent agency officials.
The dispute remains a significant test for the Trump administration as it seeks to exert more control over federal agencies, which have historically operated independently of the President’s direct influence.
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