BREAKING: U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras found that President Donald Trump's effort to fire Cathy Harris as a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board was illegal.

Accordingly, he also found it appropriate to issue a declaratory judgment that she remains in office and a permanent injunction, as to defendants other than Trump, against her removal unless Trump follows the MSPB’s removal provisions.

Contreras, an Obama appointee, had previously issued a temporary restraining order keeping Harris in office during consideration of her case.

As with other removal challenges, expect a quick appeal.

[Update, 5:15 p.m.: DOJ announced its appeal and asked for a stay pending appeal.]

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