Defend our Institutions: Stop the Political Firings and Restore Oversight of Federal Agencies

In recent months, the Trump Administration has engaged in a systematic removal of key civil service positions across federal agencies. These targeted firings have raised concerns about political retribution, undermining the independence of critical institutions that serve the American public. High-profile firings have included the removal of Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States, the dismissal of 17 independent inspectors general, and most recently, the removal of David Huitema, the Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). These actions are part of a broader strategy to consolidate power by targeting civil servants who are seen as impediments to the administration’s political agenda.

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The importance of these dismissals cannot be overstated, as they threaten the integrity of the civil service, the rule of law, and the impartiality of government agencies. These removals appear to be driven by political motivations, with little justification or transparency. This pattern of behavior is particularly concerning in a democratic society where federal employees must be free from political interference in order to carry out their duties effectively.

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The Scope of the Targeted Firings

The Trump Administration has dismissed a wide range of key civil servants, some of whom were serving in positions that ensured government transparency, accountability, and public welfare. Some of the most notable actions include:

• Firing of Colleen Shogan – The Archivist of the United States was dismissed without clear cause. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation's historical documents and ensuring transparency in government operations.

• Removal of 17 Independent Inspectors General (IGs) – On January 24, 2025, the administration fired 17 independent IGs from federal agencies. These inspectors general are tasked with auditing and investigating government spending, performance, and ethical violations. By removing these oversight bodies, the administration undermines the transparency of government operations and potentially shields itself from scrutiny.

• Disbanding of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board – The administration fired all Democratic members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), preventing the board from functioning and ensuring oversight of civil liberties and privacy protections.

• Dismissals at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) – Key members of the EEOC and NLRB were removed, disrupting the functions of these agencies, which are responsible for protecting workers' rights and ensuring fairness in the workplace.

• Targeted Firings at the National Security Council (NSC) – Over 160 members of the NSC were removed for failing to align with the administration’s political agenda. This action undermines the effectiveness of the NSC, which is responsible for advising the president on matters of national security and foreign policy.

• Targeting Senior Officials at USAID – Fifty-six senior officials at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were dismissed due to alleged attempts to obstruct the president’s priorities, raising concerns about the politicization of U.S. foreign aid and international development.

• Firing of David Huitema, Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) – On February 10, 2025, President Trump dismissed David Huitema, who had been confirmed by the Senate in December 2024 for a five-year term. The OGE is a crucial body for ensuring ethics and transparency in government operations, and Huitema’s position was specifically designed to be protected from arbitrary dismissal to maintain its independence. This recent removal has sparked legal challenges, as it raises questions about the constitutional protections for officials in independent positions who are tasked with holding government entities accountable.

• Firing of Hampton Dellinger, Head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) – On February 7, 2025, President Trump removed Hampton Dellinger from his position as head of the OSC, which is responsible for investigating whistleblower complaints and enforcing laws such as the Hatch Act. Dellinger, who was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2024, alleged that his dismissal was unlawful, as federal law restricts the firing of OSC heads to specific grounds, such as neglect of duty or misconduct. A judge temporarily reinstated Dellinger, but the Trump administration has filed an appeal, contesting the decision. This firing is part of a broader pattern of undermining independent oversight institutions.
  Source: Reuters, "U.S. whistleblower office chief temporarily reinstated after alleging improper firing," February 10, 2025.

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These actions collectively contribute to a pattern of politically motivated dismissals that prioritize loyalty over competence, transparency, and accountability.

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Constitutional Concerns

The U.S. Constitution and various federal laws place clear limitations on the dismissal of civil servants. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the president the authority to appoint and remove certain executive branch officials, but these powers are not unlimited. Civil servants, by law, are protected from arbitrary dismissal under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, which was enacted to ensure that federal employees are hired and retained based on merit, not political affiliation. The Act mandates that any personnel action, including removals, must follow due process and adhere to the principles of fairness and transparency.

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Additionally, the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) is meant to be a non-partisan body, and its director is subject to special protections to ensure independence. The removal of David Huitema, an official confirmed by the Senate for a five-year term, raises serious constitutional concerns about the protections meant to shield certain high-level government positions from arbitrary removal. Huitema’s ousting, especially after a Senate confirmation, calls into question the respect for these safeguards.

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The Fifth Amendment also guarantees due process rights to all individuals, including federal employees, preventing arbitrary or retaliatory actions. The dismissals occurring under the current administration appear to violate these protections by removing individuals for reasons that do not relate to performance or legal cause.

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The Role of Legislative Oversight

Given the scope of the targeted firings and the potential risks to democratic institutions, legislative oversight is critical. Congress holds the power to ensure that federal agencies remain free from undue political influence and that civil servants are protected from retribution. This oversight is grounded in the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows Congress to review and potentially overturn executive actions that it deems to be contrary to public interest or law.

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By exercising this oversight function, Congress can ensure that government agencies remain effective, transparent, and accountable to the American people. Independent agencies such as the National Archives, USAID, the Office of Government Ethics, and the National Security Council are critical to the functioning of the U.S. government and its ability to serve the public interest. If left unchecked, political interference in these agencies will compromise their ability to carry out their duties.

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The Potential Global Consequences

The targeted firings of civil servants is not only a threat to American democracy but could have far-reaching global consequences. Many of the agencies targeted, such as USAID, play a key role in the United States’ foreign policy and humanitarian efforts. Disrupting or politicizing these agencies could undermine U.S. efforts to support global development, promote human rights, and address climate change.

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For example, USAID is responsible for managing international development programs, including emergency humanitarian relief, disease prevention, and climate adaptation initiatives. Firing senior officials within this agency could delay or disrupt critical aid to regions suffering from poverty, conflict, and environmental disasters, exacerbating global instability.

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The Need for Immediate Action

The ongoing targeted firings of civil servants and the undermining of independent oversight bodies poses a serious threat to the integrity of the U.S. government. Legislative action is needed to halt these firings and restore transparency and accountability to federal agencies. Congress must step in to ensure that civil service protections are upheld and that the rule of law is not undermined by political retribution.

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Citations

• U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 2: Provides the president with the authority to appoint and remove certain executive branch officials.

• Civil Service Reform Act of 1978: Established protections for federal employees, including requirements for merit-based hiring and removal.

• Fifth Amendment: Guarantees due process and prevents arbitrary or retaliatory actions against individuals.

• Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB): An independent agency that protects federal employees from unfair dismissal or retaliation.

• Congressional Review Act (CRA): Allows Congress to review and potentially overturn executive actions, ensuring that they align with public interest and legal standards.

• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): The agency responsible for preserving and protecting the nation's historical documents.

• USAID: The U.S. government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance programs.

• Office of Government Ethics (OGE): A federal agency that provides guidance on ethics standards for government employees and ensures that ethical violations are investigated.

• Reuters, "U.S. whistleblower office chief temporarily reinstated after alleging improper firing," February 10, 2025.