Presidential removal power extends to lower officers in Comey case, DOJ argues

The DOJ told a court that a Supreme Court ruling widening the president’s power to fire agency leaders also covers lower officers, arguing those who exercise decisive executive power can be removed at will. Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor and James Comey’s daughter, is suing DOJ after an abrupt last-year firing, claiming it was motivated by her father’s name or political beliefs. The hearing revisited whether Article II allows firing based on race or gender, with the judge pressing the government on those concerns.