January 1, Judge Says Trump Broke Law Firing Watchdogs

Wyatt’s Take

• Judge ruled President Trump broke a law by not giving Congress notice before firing inspectors general.
• The judge did not put the inspectors general back in their jobs.
• The fired officials now have to wait for a decision about possible back pay.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. decided that President Trump didn’t follow the law when he got rid of inspectors general without warning Congress first.

Even though the move broke the rules, the judge said she couldn’t put the inspectors back in their roles.

Judge Ana Reyes, who was put on the bench by President Biden, stated, “President Trump violated the [Inspectors General Act]. That much is obvious.”

She added, “Even assuming that the IGA comports with Article II, Plaintiffs’ inability to perform their duties for 30 days is not irreparable harm.”

The judge explained that if they were given their jobs back, they could still be fired again—this time with the right notice to Congress.

The fired officials wanted an order to get their jobs back, but the judge denied it. She is still deciding if they should get back pay.

Full story here

Wyatt Matters

For folks in the heartland, this case shows the push and pull between elected leaders and Washington rules. When insiders clash, average Americans keep working, watching for real results that put the country first.