A top level federal employee fired by President Donald Trump last week is back on the job.
A federal lawsuit was filed immediately after the firing of Cathy Harris, who chaired the federal Merit Systems Protection Board. She began her government service with the board during the Biden administration.
Harris' lawsuit claimed the Trump administration had no authority to initiate her dismissal. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras agreed there is merit to her claim and is temporarily putting her back on the job, pending court review of additional arguments from both sides.
In the meantime, Harris is back in control of the MSPB. The judge additionally ordered the government may not place anyone else to sit on the board in place of Harris.
With four years remaining on her seven-year term, Harris got a short, one-sentence dismissal notice from the Presidential Personnel Office, reported The Hill. Attorney Linda Correia represents Harris and argued to the court the government may only fire someone in that position for, "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office." None of those factors, Correia told the judge, were alleged by the government in the firing notice.
Contreras has ordered both sides to prepare for another hearing on the case in early March. Until then, Harris must be allowed to carry out the responsibilities of the position without interference.
A similar case involving another top level federal employee who was recently fired also ended in a ruling against the administration. That case is now under appeal.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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