On February 10, President Trump illegally fired Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Member Cathy Harris. Member Harris was appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate to serve a term that was not set to expire until March 2028. MSPB members can removed by the president, but “only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.”  As of February 11, Member Harris has sued the Trump administration over her dismissal.   

Impact: The MSPB is an independent agency that protects the federal merits systems and the rights of employees in those systems. Since day one, President Trump has undertaken dozens of actions that harm the federal workforce, including changes to merit-based systems. The illegally removal of Member Harris makes way for President Trump to appointment of an individual that aligns politically with his interests.