President Trump’s effort to bring agencies more directly under his control received a boost from a federal appeals court ruling on Friday. The court determined that the president was within his rights to fire the heads of two administrative boards that review employment actions and labor disputes.
The ruling could hinder Mr. Trump’s restructuring of the government by affecting the Merit Systems Protection Board and the National Labor Relations Board. This decision was seen as an endorsement of the president’s expansive view of executive powers and may set a precedent for other agencies across the government.
In a 2-to-1 vote, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sided with the government in reversing district court decisions that had reinstated two fired board heads. The ruling has implications for the functioning of the labor and merit protections boards, affecting their ability to make decisions and act on cases.
Judge Justin Walker, appointed by Mr. Trump, highlighted the constitutional authority of the president in the opinion. The decision could facilitate the administration’s efforts to weaken labor regulations and reshape the civil service.
Earlier this month, Ms. Harris reinstated thousands of probationary employees who were terminated as part of Mr. Trump’s government downsizing plan. The head of the Office of Special Counsel was also fired, impacting the ongoing investigations and proceedings related to federal employment disputes.
The decisions made by the appellate court panel are in conflict with other circuit courts, according to a dissenting opinion by Judge Patricia A. Millett. The potential consequences of these decisions could affect millions of employees and employers seeking resolution through these boards.
Judge Alsup, overseeing a case challenging the firing of probationary employees, raised concerns about the lack of recourse for affected employees if the merit protections board cannot make decisions. The legal implications of the administration’s actions and the impact on employees and unions are being closely scrutinized.
Rebecca Davis O’Brien contributed reporting.