Court Rules Trump Can Remove Agency Heads Without Cause

A federal appeals court has upheld President Trump's authority to remove members from independent agencies, specifically allowing him to dismiss Cathy Harris from the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and Gwynne Wilcox from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The D.C. Circuit Court stayed lower court rulings that had reinstated both members, which could hinder the functionality of their respective boards due to a lack of quorum. Judges Justin Walker and Karen Henderson, who supported the majority decision, argued that the president's ability to govern effectively is compromised by restrictions on removal, while Judge Patricia Millett dissented, expressing concern over the implications of this ruling. Harris's removal, initially challenged in court, reflects broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape the federal workforce amidst ongoing legal battles regarding executive authority. This decision raises significant constitutional questions about the separation of powers between the presidency and independent agencies, potentially impacting thousands of federal employees appealing dismissals. The case highlights the contentious political landscape surrounding the control of federal agencies and the president's executive powers.