On Friday, February 7, 2025, the Office of Special Counsel’s head honcho for whistleblowers, Hampton Dellinger, learned he was the latest casualty in President Trump’s binge firing announcements on the rise since January.

Dellinger filed a lawsuit on Monday, February 10, claiming that he was unlawfully removed from his post by President Trump’s administration. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson temporarily reinstated Dellinger’s position until Thursday, known as an “administrative stay,” and the court is still considering next steps such as a long-term order.

Dellinger has been serving as the whistleblower office’s chief since his appointment in 2023 by President Joe Biden, and he was confirmed by the Senate in 2024 for a five-year term.

Filed in federal District Court in Washington D.C., Dellinger’s lawsuit alleges that on February 7, he received an email from the head of the White House’s personnel office informing him that his position was terminated. Dellinger claims the firing was “without basis, justification or authority,” and hence violated a U.S. law that only allows for employees’ removal if misconduct or neglect of duty has occurred.

President Trump’s administration’s lawyers filed an appeal Monday night.

Dellinger’s role in the Special Counsel Office is significant because it enables whistleblowers to make disclosures about alleged misconduct within federal agencies, additionally investigating and prosecuting complaints of retaliation. The Office oversees enforcement of the Hatch Act which limits federal employees’ political participation. Among other roles, the Office also protects military veterans’ employment rights.

According to Reuters, Dellinger stated: “I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue leading the Office of Special Counsel and I am resuming my work tonight.” Dellinger pointed out that his termination is not an isolated situation in President Trump’s mass firing event.

Dellinger was not the only person President Trump removed from office on Monday. According to the Office of Government Ethics’ website, U.S. ethics official David Huitema was also terminated. His job prevented conflicts of interest among government workers.

In January, President Trump removed additional officials who investigate wrongdoings including 17 inspectors general. Their jobs are to serve as “independent watchdogs” in each agency.

We look forward to learning more updates as this story develops.

Read Rehired! US Whistleblower Office Chief Temporarily Reinstated After Unlawful Firing Allegations at constantinecannon.com