A federal appeals court has ruled to remove the head of a government watchdog agency, marking the latest development in a legal battle over Republican President Donald Trump‘s authority to fire the special counsel.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia sided with the Trump administration, allowing the immediate removal of Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel while the court fight continues. Dellinger is expected to appeal.
A federal judge in Washington had ruled on Saturday that Dellinger must remain in his position, declaring Trump’s effort to oust him unlawful.
Dellinger filed a lawsuit against Trump last month after his dismissal, arguing that the law permits a president to remove a special counsel only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, an Obama-era appointee, had temporarily reinstated Dellinger while he pursued his case.
This is a developing news article and will be updated as more information is available.