The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to immediately permit the Trump administration to remove the head of the U.S. Copyright Office, opting instead to wait until it rules on two other closely related cases involving presidential firing authority.
The Court’s decision keeps in effect lower court rulings that prevent the dismissal of Shira Perlmutter, who has legally challenged her termination. The case is part of a broader legal battle over President Donald Trump’s power to replace senior federal officials.
While Justice Clarence Thomas said he would have allowed the firing to proceed, the majority of the Court chose to pause action until the outcome of the other pending removal cases is determined.
In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated that the administration believes the president acted within his constitutional powers and is confident the Supreme Court will ultimately rule in its favor.
Why This Case Is Significant
President Trump has attempted to remove several top officials across the federal government, including leaders connected to the Federal Reserve, FBI, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These efforts have drawn repeated legal challenges and raised concerns about executive overreach and the limits of presidential authority.
Background of the Copyright Office Dispute
Shira Perlmutter serves as the Register of Copyrights and advises Congress on copyright and intellectual property matters. Although the Copyright Office operates within the Library of Congress, the federal government has argued that the role exercises executive authority.
According to court filings, Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the justices that Perlmutter holds significant executive power in regulating copyrights.
Perlmutter has stated that her firing in May followed disagreements with the administration over policy advice she provided to Congress—particularly relating to artificial intelligence regulations. She received an email from the White House stating that her position was terminated with immediate effect.
A divided federal appeals court later ruled that she could remain in office while the legal case continues.
Legal Representation and Leadership Changes
Perlmutter is being represented by attorneys from the legal advocacy organization Democracy Forward, who described her as a highly respected copyright scholar. She was appointed to the post in October 2020 by then–Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.
Trump later appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to replace Hayden at the Library of Congress. The White House removed Hayden following conservative criticism that she was promoting a so-called “woke” agenda.
Other Related Supreme Court Cases
The court is also reviewing other high-profile disputes involving the removal of federal officials:
- The attempted firing of Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission, with arguments scheduled for December.
- The case involving Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, whom Trump also sought to remove. That case will be heard in January.
Rulings in all three matters are expected weeks or months after oral arguments conclude.
Reactions from Legal Figures
Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, welcomed the court’s decision, saying the administration’s attempt at executive overreach was not approved and that the case is crucial for maintaining the separation of powers and the independence of the Library of Congress.
Appeals Court Judge Florence Pan, writing in October, described the executive’s interference with a legislative-branch official as a serious constitutional violation that differs significantly from previous removal cases.
What Happens Next
The Supreme Court will revisit the issue after hearing arguments in the related cases. Until then, Shira Perlmutter remains in office, and the broader question of how far presidential removal powers extend remains unresolved.
