White House Firing of Top Whistleblower Protection Official “Irresponsible and Dangerous” According to National Whistleblower Center

In an unprecedented decision, the White House terminated U.S. Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger. Dellinger was the director of the Office of Special Counsel, an independent agency whose mission is to protect whistleblowers.

Unlike Inspector Generals, the Special Counsel may only be removed for allegations of “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” In their brief notice, the White House raised none of these issues. Dellinger is fighting this termination in court.

In a statement, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Whistleblower Center, Stephen M. Kohn, stated:

“The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is charged with investigating allegations of corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse from federal employees. An attack on this office is an unjustifiable attack on federal employee whistleblowers and the ability of employees to report waste, fraud, and abuse.”

“The decision to terminate the Special Counsel is irresponsible and dangerous. This action undermines a critical government program that has saved taxpayers billions of dollars and is designed to encourage reporting of waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. The Office of Special Counsel also maintains confidential lists of hundreds or thousands of federal employees who have blown the whistle on serious fraud, waste, and abuse. All of whom are now in immediate danger of being exposed.”

The National Whistleblower Center issued an alert urging all Americans to contact their representatives and express concern over this action.

NWC Board Chairman Stephen M. Kohn is available for comment. For more information, contact NWC at info@whistleblowers.org.

Contact Information

Erin Craig

Public Interest Law Clerk

National Whistleblower Center

programs@whistleblowers.org