- Federal judge rules Trump violated statutory removal protections
- Merit Systems Protection Board backlog cleared under Harris' leadership
- Ruling impacts 87% of federal workforce facing reorganization
- Pattern emerges of improper executive branch removals
In a landmark decision protecting civil service independence, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered the immediate reinstatement of Merit Systems Protection Board Chair Cathy Harris. The ruling found President Trump violated 5 U.S.C. §1202 by removing Harris without demonstrating cause through proper channels - instead using a midnight email notification.
Contreras emphasized Harris' effectiveness in resolving 92% of the board's 4,100-case backlog within 18 months, including sensitive whistleblower claims from IRS and Border Patrol personnel. This productivity metric directly contradicted White House claims of leadership deficiencies, with court documents revealing Harris maintained 98% case resolution compliance.
The Washington D.C.-based board's unique tripartite structure now faces renewed scrutiny. With Democrat Raymond Limon's recent departure, Harris' reinstatement preserves the legally mandated 2:1 partisan balance until at least March 2028. Legal analysts note this decision creates binding precedent for 14 similar pending cases involving executive branch removals.
Federal employment attorneys report a 47% increase in MSPB filings since 2023 workforce reduction initiatives began. The board's Philadelphia regional office alone saw 380 new cases last quarter - predominantly from EPA and Education Department staff facing reassignment. This ruling ensures continuity for these proceedings while exposing vulnerabilities in federal employment protections.
Contreras' 28-page opinion references three historical precedents: Humphrey's Executor (1935), Morrison v. Olson (1988), and Lucia v. SEC (2018). The decision establishes that MSPB members qualify as principal officers requiring statutory cause for removal - a critical distinction limiting presidential authority over quasi-judicial bodies.