Trump Fires Democratic Merit Systems Protection Board Member

President Donald Trump has removed Cathy Harris from her position on the Merit Systems Protection Board, which handles appeals from federal employees regarding firings and other disciplinary actions. This decision, communicated via a brief email, has led Harris to file a lawsuit challenging the legality of her dismissal, arguing that it violates federal statutes governing her removal. Alongside Harris, another Democratic member, Ray Limon, was stripped of his vice-chair title but remains on the board, which now has a Republican majority following Trump's appointment of Henry Kerner as acting chair. Trump's administration has initiated a broader effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce, partnering with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to facilitate mass layoffs, although the legality of this approach is under scrutiny. Critics warn that these actions could provoke significant legal challenges from federal workers and unions, potentially hindering the administration's plans. Trump's strategy aims to identify waste and inefficiencies within the government, though specific claims regarding financial mismanagement remain unsubstantiated.