On Thursday, President Trump appealed a court decision that reinstated Cathy Harris, a Biden-era official in the executive branch whom he had fired earlier this month. However, a federal judge later ordered her reinstatement, prompting Trump to take legal action.
In the appeal notice, the Trump administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) stated:
“PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Defendants hereby appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from this Court’s Memorandum Opinion and Order granting Plaintiff’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order.”
Earlier this week, a federal judge ruled in favor of Harris, who serves as the chairwoman of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The MSPB is a government agency that ensures federal employees are treated fairly and that workplace rules are followed.
Cathy Harris was originally appointed to the MSPB in 2021, with her term scheduled to run until March 1, 2028. However, President Trump dismissed her earlier this month.
Judge Rudolph Contreras, an Obama-appointed federal judge, ruled that Trump had overstepped his authority in firing Harris. According to federal law, members of the MSPB can only be removed for reasons such as inefficiency, neglect of duty, or misconduct. The judge noted that Trump did not provide any reason for Harris’s removal, making the termination unlawful.
In his 21-page opinion, Judge Contreras wrote that Trump informed Harris of her dismissal on February 10, 2025, stating that it was “effective immediately” but without justification.
Now, Trump’s legal team is challenging this ruling in a higher court, arguing that he had the authority to remove Harris from her position. The appeal process will determine whether the court upholds the judge’s decision or sides with the Trump administration.
