A judge blocked the Trump administration from removing DEI staffers at the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga blocked the firings of officials for the moment, allowing them to appeal their terminations and seek reassignments. Trenga, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush, argued his ruling was in accordance with regulations, as the employees weren’t accused of poor conduct.
“The plaintiffs face termination without any suggestion of wrongdoing or poor performance,” he said, according to Politico. “Simply requiring the government to follow its regulations is a minimal burden.”
Trenga said the officials could eventually be fired, but the administration must first present him with “a report” on the results of their appeals or reassignments.
The Trump administration’s orders argued that CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were able to fire the employees “in the interests of the United States,” a rarely invoked clause that typically cites espionage threats. Trenga wasn’t convinced of its use in this situation.
Attorney Kevin Carroll represented 19 CIA and ODNI officials who sued the administration last month after being abruptly terminated from their positions. He celebrated Trenga’s ruling on Tuesday.
“It’s a happy day for the plaintiffs and for the intelligence community of the United States if these talented and experienced patriots have the opportunity to continue to serve our country,” he said, according to the outlet.
Carroll argued the employees were especially affected by the firings due to their link to an executive order from President Donald Trump that cited the programs they were involved in as “illegal and immoral discrimination,” hurting their ability to get new jobs.
COURT CHALLENGES TO TRUMP DEI ACTIONS SEE MIXED SUCCESS
“The plaintiffs here have all been defamed by a shotgun blast of statements from the president of the United States,” Carroll said. “It was on the front page of the New York Times and the Washington Post. The government cannot unring the bell here.”
Trump’s blitz to thoroughly dismantle the Biden administration’s web of DEI programs installed in the government has been fought every step of the way by activists and affected employees. Their challenges have been met with mixed success, with Tuesday’s ruling one of the most favorable so far.
