Whistleblower Agency Head Sues Trump After Unprecedented Firing

WASHINGTON — The head of the Office of Special Counsel, an agency focused on protecting whistleblowers, has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump after being terminated from his position. Hampton Dellinger was notified of his dismissal via an email from the White House personnel director on Friday evening.

Dellinger contends that his firing is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to overhaul the federal government, which, he asserts, undermines established civil service protections. Under federal law, special counsels may only be removed by the president for specific reasons, namely inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.

“The effort to remove me has no factual nor legal basis — none — which means it is illegal,” Dellinger stated in an email. He was confirmed by the Senate last year for a five-year term to lead the watchdog agency, which plays a crucial role in enforcing laws affecting federal employees.

The Office of Special Counsel is tasked with ensuring compliance with the Hatch Act, law that restricts political activities among government workers. Dellinger’s dismissal comes amid allegations that employees in the Trump administration have engaged in political advocacy while on duty, contrary to this law.

Dellinger previously served as an assistant attorney general in the Biden administration’s Justice Department, overseeing the Office of Legal Policy. He has also held roles in the North Carolina Department of Justice and the governor’s office. He is the son of Walter Dellinger, a prominent attorney who passed away in 2022 and previously led the Office of Legal Counsel under President Bill Clinton.