Judge Blocks Trump from Firing Merit Board Chair, Citing Independence

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump from removing Cathy Harris, the Democratic chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board, ruling that she cannot be fired without cause before her term expires. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras stated that the board's role in protecting federal employees from wrongful termination requires independence.

Trump attempted to replace Harris with Republican Henry Kerner, but the court ruled that Harris could only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance. The administration quickly appealed, calling the ruling an “extraordinary intrusion” on presidential authority.

The board, an independent panel handling federal employment disputes, plays a crucial role in reviewing firings. With Trump pushing for mass layoffs in government agencies, the board’s decisions could obstruct these efforts. Recently, it blocked the dismissal of six probationary employees, and watchdog leader Hampton Dellinger has requested intervention for thousands more.

Since Trump’s presidency, over 4,800 workers have filed complaints with the board, a significant increase from prior years. Legal experts warn that many affected employees may be deterred by the board’s complex and lengthy appeals process.

Harris, appointed in 2022 by President Joe Biden for a seven-year term, vowed to fight the case up to the U.S. Supreme Court, emphasizing her commitment to upholding congressional mandates. Trump’s attempt to remove her also risked leaving the board without a quorum, potentially halting case decisions.

The ruling marks a legal battle over presidential power, federal workforce rights, and the independence of agencies overseeing government employment disputes.