A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily reinstated Cathy Harris, the chairwoman of the Merit Systems Protection Board, after she was fired by President Donald Trump.
U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, ruled that Harris must be returned to her position and receive full access to her office’s benefits until further court proceedings. The judge also barred Trump from appointing a replacement in her seat, according to a 21-page order.
Harris, whose seven-year term was set to expire in 2028, was removed last week via a one-sentence email from the Presidential Personnel Office. Her termination raises significant legal questions about presidential authority over independent agencies, potentially setting the stage for a Supreme Court battle. MSPB handles appeals from federal workers who say they’ve been treated…
