Federal Judge Rules Trump’s Firing of NLRB Member Unlawful, Highlighting Limits on Presidential Power Over Independent Agencies

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has ruled that the dismissal of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member by former President Donald Trump was unlawful. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, states that the firing of Gwynne Wilcox violated federal law, which stipulates that board members can only be removed for “neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.” This ruling underscores the legal protections in place for members of independent federal agencies and highlights the limitations on presidential power regarding such dismissals.

Judge Howell’s 36-page ruling emphasized the constitutional framework that allows Congress to impose checks on the president’s authority to remove officials from independent agencies. She noted that these checks are designed to prevent executive overreach and protect against the potential for autocratic governance. The decision reflects ongoing legal debates about the balance of power between the executive branch and independent federal agencies.

In a related development, a former head of the government’s independent whistleblower agency, who had challenged his own termination by President Trump, announced that he is withdrawing his lawsuit. This decision comes amid broader discussions about the legal boundaries of presidential authority over independent agency officials and the implications for governance and accountability.

The ruling and the withdrawal of the lawsuit both contribute to the ongoing discourse about the separation of powers and the role of independent agencies in the federal government. These developments may influence future cases and legislative actions concerning the removal of officials from independent bodies, as well as the broader interpretation of executive power in the United States.