Trump issued an EO turning Administrative Law Judges from independent civil servants into political appointees. Impartiality will be replaced by loyalty. Qualified candidates replaced by campaign donors. Unqualified judges mean unfair rulings. #FairCourts chcoc.gov/content/execut…
Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) were appointed under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). Federal agencies like DoL, SSA, DEA, DoA, have numerous ALJs. They were hired by OPM based on qualifications and under the APA had substantial decision-making independence. No more.
There are 2,000 ALJs they adjudicate thousands of regulatory disputes, serving as fact-finders and decision-makers. This is devastating for workers and regular people looking for a fair hearing. Trump will be able to compel ALJs to follow his deregulatory directions or be fired.
While this is definitely a powergrab by Trump that is part of his war on judicial independence and regulations, it was made possible by what is quickly becoming the 3rd Trump-enabling branch of government. Thanks, SCOTUS. #FairCourts
And of course no one will pay attention or care because there is so much awful, but this will hurt the powerless and enrich and entrench the powerful. #fairCourts #Welp
