DOJ argues Supreme Court ruling allows firing of junior prosecutors like Maurene Comey
The Justice Department argued in federal court that a recent Supreme Court ruling expanding presidential removal power applies to junior employees, specifically defending the firing of former federal prosecutor Maurene Comey. DOJ lawyer Tyler Becker told Judge Jesse Furman that 'inferior officers' exercising executive power must be removable at will, citing Article II. Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, sued after being terminated without explanation, alleging her firing was based on her father's identity and political beliefs. Her attorney, Ellen Blain, rejected the government's stance, stating that Article II does not permit firing line prosecutors without cause and that no court has found such officers exercise the president's conclusive authority. Judge Furman questioned the government's position on whether Article II allows firing based on race or gender, to which Becker replied that Article II would not permit inquiry into such matters.
