SCOTUS Halts Trump’s Bid to Oust Biden-Era Watchdog in Historic Power Clash
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger on February 22, 2025, escalating a constitutional battle over presidential authority. The 6-3 conservative court delayed Trump’s emergency appeal until February 26, allowing Dellinger – appointed by President Biden to lead the Office of Special Counsel – to remain in his role enforcing federal ethics rules.
The Constitutional Firestorm
Trump sought immediate removal of Dellinger despite a federal law requiring cause for dismissal of this position. The Justice Department argued Congress cannot restrict a president’s removal power, while lower courts temporarily reinstated Dellinger citing statutory protections. Legal experts warn this case could redefine limits of executive power over independent agencies.
Shadow of Immunity Ruling
The clash follows last year’s landmark Trump v. United States decision granting presidents broad immunity for official acts. In July 2024, Chief Justice Roberts wrote that presidents enjoy “absolute immunity” for core constitutional duties – a ruling now being tested as Trump challenges post-2020 election accountability measures.
Trump’s Remade Court Flexes Muscle
Three Trump appointees (Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Coney Barrett) joined Alito and Thomas in signaling willingness to expand executive power:
- 2022: Enabled state prosecution of crimes on tribal lands (Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta)
- 2024: Granted presidents immunity for official acts
- 2025: Gorsuch/Alito dissented wanting immediate Dellinger removal
“This isn’t just about one official – it’s about whether future presidents can dismantle watchdog agencies at will,” said CNN analyst Joan Biskupic.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court could revisit the case after February 26 if lower courts extend their injunction. Legal observers note parallels to Trump’s earlier efforts against the NLRB chair and anticipate more challenges to agency independence.
With 20+ federal positions requiring cause for removal still held by Biden appointees, this temporary stay signals an intensifying battle over presidential authority in Trump’s second term.
