Rich Trumka Jr., recently removed as a commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) by President Trump, has publicly declared his intention to contest the legality of his dismissal. In a letter shared on social media, Trumka asserted that he will seek legal recourse, stating, “See you in court, Mr. President.”

Background on CPSC and Dismissals

The CPSC plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of consumer products, overseeing recalls and safety regulations spanning items like kitchen appliances and toys. Trumka emphasized that he had not received any official reason for his firing, which coincided with his and two other commissioners’ decisions to reject a proposal allowing members of Elon Musk’s government efficiency team, known as DOGE, to operate within the agency.

Trumka was appointed by President Biden in 2021 to serve a seven-year term, during which he has been an advocate for maintaining stringent safety standards. He expressed concerns that DOGE’s involvement could undermine the agency’s critical functions.

Response to the Firings

In addition to Trumka, two other Democratic commissioners were dismissed on the same day. The White House has not publicly commented on these firings; however, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the president has the authority to remove employees from executive branch agencies.

During an interview with CBS News, Trumka elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the firings, stating: “On Wednesday, we had a public commission meeting…we said there’s no financial reason, no logical reason, to get rid of anyone at our agency.” He indicated that a request from DOGE was made just a day after this meeting, leading to their dismissals shortly thereafter.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups

Consumer Reports issued a strong condemnation of the CPSC dismissals, urging for Trumka and the other commissioners to be reinstated. William Wallace, the director of safety advocacy for Consumer Reports, called the firings “an appalling and lawless attack on the independence” of the agency tasked with ensuring consumer safety.

Additionally, Senator Amy Klobuchar, alongside three other Democratic senators, labeled the firings as “illegal,” highlighting the essential role of the CPSC in safeguarding everyday products.

DOGE’s Approach and Impacts

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has pursued initiatives to reduce federal workforce numbers, often facing backlash over the removal of key personnel—a practice that has led to legal reversals in some cases. Recent analysis indicates that claimed savings from these efforts have often been offset by lost productivity and the costs associated with illegal dismissals.

Looking Ahead

Trumka warned that allowing the circumstances of his firing to remain unchallenged could jeopardize the agency’s mission, stating, “If my illegal firing is allowed to stand, it will clear the way for the Administration…to benefit their wealthy donors.”