Former Privacy Board Members Sue Trump Over Unlawful Firings

Two former members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, Travis LeBlanc and Edward Felten, have filed a lawsuit against President Trump following their recent termination from the board, which is tasked with overseeing government surveillance practices. They argue that their firings were unlawful and aimed at undermining the board's ability to function, as it now lacks a quorum necessary for official actions. The lawsuit asserts that the terminations violate the 2007 9/11 Commission Act's requirement for the board to remain nonpartisan and independent. The plaintiffs contend that Trump's actions threaten the separation of powers and prevent Congress from adequately overseeing executive operations regarding civil liberties. This legal challenge is part of a broader pattern of litigation stemming from Trump's dismissals of officials in positions designed to ensure governmental accountability. The board's current composition, with only one remaining member, hampers its capacity to conduct investigations or issue reports on privacy and civil liberties matters.