The #DOJ is aiming to get these cases to #SCOTUS, where it’s betting that enough of the right-wing justices will agree to overturn the high court’s own #precedent on #independent agencies — encapsulated primarily in a 1936 case called Humphrey’s Executor — & axe the removal protections that keep leadership at such entities as the #NLRB or #MSPB insulated from political will or vindictiveness.

Dellinger asked the #MSPB this week to halt the dismissal of 6 probationary employees while his office investigates their complaints. Dellinger said the firings appear “contrary to a reasonable reading of the #law” & said he was considering “ways to seek relief for a broader group.”

The merit board granted his request to stay the terminations for 45 days.

#Trump’s attempt to fire Dellinger is part of his broader push to remove government #watchdogs who investigate wrongdoing & protect #FederalWorkers. Trump also has tried to fire the head of the Merit Systems Protection Board [#MSPB], an #independent agency that hears appeals of terminations & other adverse actions against #CivilServants. A federal judge reinstated her temporarily. Dellinger’s office refers certain cases to the merit board, which issues its own decisions.