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Appeals Court Sides with Intelligence Officers Fired for Working on DEI

The ruling lets dozens of intelligence officers keep their jobs while they challenge terminations tied to Trump’s orders ending diversity programs.

  • On Thursday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 2-1 decision blocking the Trump administration from firing 19 intelligence officers assigned to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.
  • CIA Director John Ratcliffe and former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard terminated the officers to implement a DEIA Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump shortly after returning to the White House in January 2025.
  • Circuit Judge Nicole Berner, writing for the majority, underscored the Fifth Amendment requires federal agencies to adhere to binding regulations, noting the hiring process "creates an entitlement to the rights of consideration for reassignment and internal appeal."
  • While 58 officers remain on paid administrative leave, Circuit Judge Paul Niemeyer dissented, arguing Congress granted agencies "unfettered discretion" to terminate employment and calling the injunction "unlawful."
  • This ruling marks a significant legal challenge to efforts dismantling DEIA programs within federal agencies. "We're very grateful for the decision of the court," said Kevin Carroll, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.
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Court orders Trump administration to rehire fired intelligence officers

The administration fired 19 officers of the CIA and the National Intelligence Director’s Office who had been assigned to jobs promoting diversity.

·United States
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Reuters broke the news in New York, United States on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
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