US Supreme Court permits government watchdog to remain on job

ISTANBUL

The US Supreme Court prevented President Donald Trump from firing the head of the US Office of Special Counsel on Friday.

The top court, in an unsigned decision, put off a decision on Trump's request to lift a lower court ruling that reinstated Hampton Dellinger until Feb. 26, when that order is set to expire, according to CBS News.

A district court hearing is scheduled to consider extending the pause on Dellinger’s dismissal.

The Office of Special Counsel handles issues related to federal employees, overseeing protections for whistle-blowers and enforcing restrictions on political activity. The office can bring enforcement actions and issue regulations. It has no relationship with special counsels that can be appointed by the Justice Department to bring federal prosecutions.

Dellinger took office last March after being picked by former President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate.

Trump sought to remove Dellinger from office on Feb. 7, prompting Dellinger to file a lawsuit.

The president wants to instead install Doug Collins, the head of the Veterans Affairs, as acting head of the agency.