A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that the Trump administration’s firing of a federal employee appeals board member was unlawful.

U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras ruled in favor of Cathy Harris, who chaired the three-person Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) during the Biden administration. He indefinitely reinstated her to her post on the board, writing that federal law prevents presidents from removing members of the MSPB without cause.

“The President’s attempt to terminate Harris was unlawful,” Contreras wrote in a 35-page decision.

The order allows Harris to return to her post, granting her full access to the benefits of her office while barring the Trump administration from recognizing any other person as a........

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