This week, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halted President Trump’s attempt to dismiss the whistleblower agency head, heard a significant reverse discrimination case, and dismissed a Holocaust survivors’ lawsuit against Hungary. Concurrently, the Pentagon announced substantial workforce reductions, sparking national debate.
As of Saturday, February 22, 2025, here is a categorized breakdown of the U.S. Supreme Court’s key activities over the past week:
1️⃣ Major Supreme Court Decisions & Rulings
- Supreme Court Declines Immediate Removal of Whistleblower Agency HeadThe Supreme Court has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to immediately dismiss Hampton Dellinger, the head of the Office of Special Counsel, which safeguards government whistleblowers. The unsigned order allows Dellinger to remain in his position until a lower court’s temporary protection order expires on February 26, 2025. reuters.comConservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito supported the administration’s decision, questioning the courts’ authority to reinstate officials dismissed by the president. In contrast, liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson opposed the administration’s plea. apnews.com
- Supreme Court Dismisses Holocaust Survivors’ Lawsuit Against HungaryIn a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeals court ruling that permitted Holocaust survivors’ lawsuit against Hungary to proceed. The lawsuit sought compensation for property confiscated during World War II. The Court determined that the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act protects Hungary from being sued in U.S. courts unless the property in question has a commercial link to the United States. apnews.com
2️⃣ Oral Arguments & Case Hearings
- Reverse Discrimination Case: Marlean Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth ServicesThe Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Marlean Ames, a former employee of Ohio’s youth corrections system, who alleges she faced “reverse” discrimination. Ames claims she was demoted and overlooked for promotions in favor of less qualified gay colleagues, asserting that she faced bias due to her heterosexuality. The Court’s decision could potentially make it easier for non-minorities to pursue discrimination claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. reuters.com
3️⃣ Judicial Statements & Public Remarks
No notable public statements or remarks from the Justices were recorded this week.
4️⃣ Pending Cases & Legal Developments
- Alabama Supreme Court Authorizes Execution Amidst Juror’s Plea for ClemencyThe Alabama Supreme Court authorized the execution of Robin “Rocky” Myers, convicted for the 1991 murder of Ludie Mae Tucker, despite a juror’s assertion of his innocence. The juror, Mae Puckett, along with Myers’ attorney, contends that there is no physical evidence linking Myers to the crime and highlights several legal failures, including a missed key appeal deadline. Myers’ last hope lies in clemency from Governor Kay Ivey. apnews.com
5️⃣ Supreme Court & National Policy Impact
- Pentagon Announces Workforce Reduction Amidst Federal Downsizing EffortsThe Pentagon announced plans to cut 5,400 jobs as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to reduce the federal workforce. This move is part of a broader overhaul that has already resulted in over 20,000 layoffs across various government sectors. The administration’s approach has faced significant backlash, including from Republican lawmakers, due to concerns about disruptions to government services and the impact on national security. reuters.com
Bibliography
These sources were verified as published between February 16, 2025, and February 22, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of February 22, 2025, 10:21 PM ET.
- “US Supreme Court declines to let Trump immediately fire watchdog agency head” – Reuters, February 21, 2025. reuters.com
- “The Supreme Court won’t allow Trump to immediately fire head of whistleblower office” – AP News, February 21, 2025. apnews.com
- “Supreme Court deals a severe blow to Holocaust survivors’ lawsuit against Hungary” – AP News, February 21, 2025. apnews.com
- “US Supreme Court tackles straight woman’s ‘reverse’ discrimination case” – Reuters, February 20, 2025. reuters.com
- “‘He is innocent’: Juror urges clemency for Alabama man facing execution” – AP News, February 22, 2025. apnews.com
- “Pentagon to fire 5,400 workers, backlash builds to Trump downsizing effort” – Reuters, February 21, 2025. reuters.com
