Questions about what is going on at the National Intelligence Office of Inspector General
The Director of National Intelligence has placed a loyalist within the intelligence community's inspector general office while it's investigating classified communications by top officials. An analysis of the legal issues suggests this may violate inspector general independence requirements.
Taking Stock of All The Removal Cases
The Trump Administration is challenging removal precedents across federal agencies and "boundary organizations." With nine active federal cases, two distinct legal patterns are emerging based on whether officers are "inferior" or "principal," while the Supreme Court's recent stay suggests the key question will be what constitutes "executive power."
U.S. Institute of Peace Sweeps to Victory In District Court As Supreme Court Hints At Humphrey’s Executor Future Obsolescence
A federal judge ruled against the Trump administration's dismantling of the U.S. Institute of Peace, calling it "a gross usurpation of power." But the Supreme Court's recent stay in related cases suggests this victory may be short-lived as the Court appears to be narrowing exceptions to presidential removal power.
Humphrey’s Executor Watch Update: DC Circuit holds oral argument on MSPB and NLRB firings
The D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments on Trump's removal of MSPB and NLRB board members, with judges struggling to define which agencies wield "substantial executive power" under Humphrey's Executor. The Justice Department's refusal to clarify the scope of their argument left judges concerned about broader implications for the Federal Reserve and other agencies.
Update on Presidential Control Over Independent Entities
An updated count shows the Administration has now targeted 20 independent entities with leadership removals, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which filed suit after three Democratic board members were fired. The systematic pattern now includes 8 active federal lawsuits challenging these removals.
Overzealous union-busting
Trump's executive order eliminating collective bargaining across federal agencies stretches national security exceptions far beyond their intended scope, using dubious justifications to target agencies with minimal security functions.
Fired IGs Case Update - “The Process is important.”
A federal judge indicated she'll likely rule that inspectors general are "inferior officers" and that the President failed to follow statutory removal procedures. The judge emphasized that "the process is important" but showed reluctance about whether to reinstate the fired IGs.