The U.S. Justice Department argued Thursday that a judge cannot block the firing of 21 CIA officers from diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs, citing spy chiefs’ authority to terminate personnel.
In a federal court filing, the department stated that CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have the power to dismiss employees if deemed necessary for national security. This follows President Donald Trump’s executive order ending DEIA initiatives across the federal government after his January 20 inauguration.
A lawsuit challenging the firings was filed Monday by 11 CIA officers, later joined by 10 more. Their attorney, Kevin Carroll, said the plaintiffs include Stephanie La Rue, head of DEIA programs for the intelligence community.
Judge Anthony Trenga issued a five-day administrative stay, temporarily halting the terminations and setting a Monday hearing. The officers, among 51 placed on administrative leave, were given three options: retire by October 1, resign by Tuesday, or face termination on May 20.
The Justice Department argued that intelligence personnel lack Civil Service protections and that courts have no jurisdiction over the case. It also contended that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a strong likelihood of winning.
Carroll countered that the firings were unrelated to national security concerns, as the officers retained their security clearances. Government filings suggest additional terminations could follow.
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