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Dellinger v. Bessent (OSC firing DDC)

No. 1:25-cv-00385 District · Decided
Circuit
Removal power Separation of powers Ultra vires authority

Legal Issues

Removal powerSeparation of powersUltra vires authority
The Law · How the Case Works

Overview

Overview

Hampton Dellinger, a special counsel of the Office of Special Counsel, sued the Trump administration after President Trump attempted to fire him. On Mar. 3, Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled for Hampton Dellinger, finding that his firing was an unlawful, ultra vires act. This ruling was appealed by the government. On Mar. 6, Dellinger dropped his case and ended his legal battle to get his job back.

The Conclusion

Conclusion

Judge Amy Berman Jackson held that President Trump's attempt to fire Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger was unlawful and ultra vires. The government appealed the March 3 ruling, but Dellinger voluntarily dismissed the case on March 6.

CourtDistrict Court, District of Columbia
FiledFeb 10, 2025
Judge Amy Berman Jackson 44
CL Statusterminated
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Docket

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Outcome History (7)

  1. Feb 12, 2025 District
    TRO granted Partial relief

    Plaintiff's motion for a temporary restraining order granted.

  2. Feb 13, 2025 District
    Stay denied Relief denied

    Defendants' motion to stay denied.

  3. Feb 26, 2025 District
    TRO granted Partial relief

    Temporary restraining order extended for three days.

  4. Mar 1, 2025 District
    Summary judgment granted Full relief Final

    Defendants' motion for summary judgment denied, plaintiff's cross-motion for summary judgment granted, and declaratory and injunctive relief granted.

  5. Mar 3, 2025 District
    Stay denied Relief denied

    Defendants' motion to stay pending appeal denied.

  6. Mar 6, 2025 District
    Dismissed as moot Neutral

    Motion to Intervene or Leave to File Amicus Brief denied as moot since the motions for summary judgment have been decided in a final order and the matter is now on appeal.

  7. Mar 31, 2025 District
    Dismissed Relief denied Final

    Case dismissed with prejudice following the dismissal of the appeal.

Federal Court TMR-83fc2bc2 Firing of Special Counsel Jul 26, 2026
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