Federal Judge Denies Block on Trump Removal of Copyright Office Head

A federal judge denied Shira Perlmutter's emergency request to block the Trump administration from firing her as the director of the U.S. Copyright Office, ruling she failed to demonstrate irreparable harm. Perlmutter, appointed in 2020, contends that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally remove her or appoint an acting Librarian of Congress after firing Librarian Carla Hayden. The judge emphasized the ruling was not on the merits of the case but focused on the high legal burden for a temporary restraining order. This legal battle highlights broader constitutional issues regarding separation of powers and the scope of presidential authority. The dispute arises amid tensions over copyright policy, including recent reports on artificial intelligence's impact on copyright law. Perlmutter's lawsuit continues as she may seek a preliminary injunction, with a schedule for further arguments to be determined.