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MSPB faces high workload, low staffing levels

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Federal employees turned in droves to the Merit Systems Protection Board at the height of the Trump administration’s workforce upheavals earlier this year, but those employees will likely be waiting longer than usual to see their cases processed.

Administrative judges at MSPB, who adjudicate appeals from federal employees alleging prohibited personnel practices, have seen a flood of new cases land on their dockets, causing their caseloads to increase by the week. Since President Donald Trump took office, the average weekly number of new appeals has risen to roughly 468 — compared with an average of 96 weekly appeals federal employees were filing in the final few months of 2024.

A spokesperson for MSPB said the agency’s administrative judges are continuing to adjudicate cases and issue initial decisions at a “steady pace” at regional and field offices across the country. But at the same time that MSPB is experiencing its highest case volume in recent memory, the agency is also facing its lowest staffing levels in years.

“We anticipate these factors will impact case processing times,” an MSPB spokesperson told Federal News Network.

Nearly 12,000 federal employees have filed appeals with MSPB so far in fiscal 2025. Over 10,000 of those appeals were submitted after Trump took office. The vast majority of this year’s MSPB appeals arose during a one-month span between February and March, as the governmentwide firings of probationary federal employees took place.

Weekly cases received at MSPB, October 2024-June 2025. (Source: Merit Systems Protection Board)

There are still a few months left until the end of the fiscal year, but the some 12,000 appeals have already put MSPB at more than double the number of cases it typically sees annually. In 2024, MSPB received a total of 5,677 appeals for the entire year.

Some of the employee appeals from February and March, however, may no longer be relevant as many of the initial MSPB appeals have been enjoined or stayed by federal courts. In one case, a group of feds fired from the Department of Homeland Security was granted class certification.

Still, as MSPB administrative judges continue to work through the massive caseload, another spike of appeals likely lies ahead, according to Suzanne Summerlin, general counsel for the Federal Workers Legal Defense Project.

“MSPB is struggling to process this crush of a caseload now, and I think it will continue to struggle if the Trump administration actually starts targeting the agency and its employees with reductions in force,” Summerlin said in an interview. “MSPB was not designed to handle a wholesale winding down of the federal government.”

Governmentwide, the future of agency RIFs remain uncertain. A Supreme Court ruling last month determined that nationwide injunctions from federal district courts “likely exceed the equitable authority that Congress has granted” to those courts. But the recent decision likely won’t allow agency layoffs to continue across government, as RIFs remain indefinitely barred under a preliminary injunction.

“But if we see those injunctions lift, and we see that agencies are allowed to go ahead with these reorganizations — before the question is answered of whether these reorganizations are even legal — then we’re going to see a huge influx of cases again at the MSPB,” Summerlin said. “A lot of people are going to lose their jobs, and a lot of people are going to need to file to get help.”

Efforts to provide additional legal support to feds, such as the Federal Workers Legal Defense Project, emerged earlier this year after organizations saw a gap in the ability for the “normal support system,” including MSPB to manage the high volume of cases.

Much like the Federal Labor Relations Authority and other small agencies that deal with federal sector employment rights, Summerlin said “MSPB has been underfunded and cut to the bone for decades.”

Staffing levels at MSPB have been steadily declining for years. In fiscal 2018, MSPB had the capacity to staff 214 full-time employees. As of June 2025, that number is down to 174.

Data source: Merit Systems Protection Board. Chart created by Federal News Network.

MSPB’s staffing capacity will likely decrease further by the start of fiscal 2026. The agency projected that it would have 171 full-time equivalents (FTEs) by Oct. 1. In its 2026 congressional budget justification, MSPB said it hasn’t been able to fill critical vacancies and instead is only able to hire “on a prorated basis where the need is greatest at any given time.”

On top of those challenges, MSPB also continues to operate without a quorum of its three-member board, limiting some of the work the agency is able to accomplish. Henry Kerner, a Republican, is currently serving as the board’s only member. He was sworn into his position in June 2024 and became acting chairman of the board earlier this year.

The lack of a quorum began April 9 spurred by Trump’s termination of MSPB member Cathy Harris, a Democrat. Harris sued over her termination, and although she was initially reinstated, she was later removed again after an appeals court decision. The Supreme Court then upheld Trump’s firing of Harris and declined to reinstate her at MSPB.

The vast majority of MSPB’s operations can continue without a quorum of the board through the work of administrative judges and other MSPB staff members. But some specific actions at MSPB cannot be finalized until a quorum is restored.

Specifically, when a federal employee or an agency disagrees with the decision an administrative judge has issued on an appeal, either party can request a “petition for review” and have the case brought up to the MSPB’s three-member panel — and that’s where the work most noticeably stalls. When there is a loss of quorum at MSPB, the board cannot issue final decisions on petitions for review, and the cases will remain open until quorum is restored and a decision can be issued.

A restoration of a quorum at MSPB, however, may be drawing nearer. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Trump’s MSPB nominee, James Woodruff II, along party lines on June 30. If he’s confirmed, Woodruff will take the board seat left vacant by MSPB member Raymond Limon, who retired from the position in late February.

“I am honored that President Donald J. Trump nominated me for to fill the position of member of the Merit Systems Protection Board,” Woodruff wrote in June 5 testimony for HSGAC. “If confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity to work closely with the other board member, Henry Kerner, to protect the federal civil services’ merit-based system.”

The post MSPB faces high workload, low staffing levels first appeared on Federal News Network.

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Judge Subramanian DENIES Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Bail for the Fifth Time – Disgraced Rapper Will Remain in Prison Pending His October 3rd Sentencing

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14 hours ago

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August 5, 2025

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Judge Subramanian: no “exceptional reasons” to release Diddy before sentencing.

Recent Judge Subramanian’s decisions may indicate hard times for Diddy come sentencing.

We have been following the pre-sentencing motions in the high-profile criminal trial of rap mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

The defense: ‘Sean Diddy’s Combs’ Conviction Is Racist and Sexist’, Say Disgraced Rapper’s Lawyers on Yet Another Legal Filing Trying to Release Him on Bail Pending Sentencing

The Prosecution: Prosecutors Oppose Sean Diddy Combs’ 50M Bail Package, Ask for ‘Substantially Higher’ Sentence Than Before

Look who appeared: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial: Ex-girlfirend Who Disappeared and Did Not Testify Against Rapper as ‘Victim 3’ Now Writes Letter to Judge to Grant Him Pre-sentencing Bail

Diddy has had his request for bail denied for the 5th time.

Today, we learn that federal judge Subramanian has yet again declined to grant Sean “Diddy” Combs bail, saying he found no ‘exceptional reasons’ to release him pending his October sentencing.

ABC News reported:

“Combs was convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution, which the judge said mandates incarceration. His sentencing is set for Oct. 3.

Judge Arun Subramanian said Combs remains a risk of flight and a danger to the community, pointing to the violence exhibited on 2016 hotel surveillance footage that shows him kicking and dragging Cassie Ventura.”

Combs remains a risk of flight and a danger to the community: Judge.

The judge ruled that the ‘swinger lifestyle’ argument does not fly in a case that includes ‘evidence of violence, coercion or subjugation in connection with the prostitution’. And the record, he wrote, contains evidence of all three.

Subramanian: “’While Combs may contend at sentencing that this evidence should be discounted and that what happened was nothing more than a case of willing ‘swingers’ utilizing the voluntary services of escorts for their mutual pleasure, the Government takes the opposite view: that Cassie Ventura and Jane were beaten, coerced, threatened, lied to, and victimized by Combs as part of their participation in these’.”

Read more:

As He Awaits Sentencing in Prison, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Joins ‘Self-Improvement’ Program To Curb Drug Use and Violence Against Women

The post Judge Subramanian DENIES Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Bail for the Fifth Time – Disgraced Rapper Will Remain in Prison Pending His October 3rd Sentencing appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Nearly 78,000 New Applicants Flood ICE Recruitment to Help Crack Down on Illegal Immigration (VIDEO)

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14 hours ago

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August 5, 2025

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In a scorching new development under the Trump-backed ICE reign, Acting Director Todd Lyons confidently announced that “we have almost 78,000 applicants since we opened up,” referring to the agency’s massive recruitment surge launched just one week prior.

This seismic surge in interest aligns with ICE’s newly launched “Defend the Homeland” recruitment blitz, unveiled by the Department of Homeland Security on July 29, 2025.

ICE is budgeting for 10,000 new agents, dangling $50,000 signing bonuses, student‑loan forgiveness, enhanced overtime pay, and upgraded retirement plans to attract recruits.

According to the press release:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today launched a new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) campaign to recruit brave and heroic Americans to join ICE as federal law enforcement agents and remove the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from America’s streets.

“Your country is calling you to serve at ICE. In the wake of the Biden administration’s failed immigration policies, your country needs dedicated men and women of ICE to get the worst of the worst criminals out of our country,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This is a defining moment in our nation’s history. Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential. Together, we must defend the homeland.”

To support this effort, ICE is offering a robust package of federal law enforcement incentives, including: 

  • A maximum $50,000 signing bonus
  • Student loan repayment and forgiveness options
  • 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for HSI Special Agents
  • Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUI) for Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) Deportation Officers
  • Enhanced retirement benefits

Backed by significant new funding through the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill, ICE is rolling out patriotic recruitment posters and benefits to attract the next generation of law enforcement professionals to find, arrest, and remove criminal illegal aliens.

During the Fox interview, Todd Lyons delivered the incredible news.

“We have almost 78,000 applicants since we opened up. We’re going through and finding those people who really want to serve the country and truly be in law enforcement. I think it’s a great way to recruit now.

We’re taking back our re-hired annuitants — people who left the job early because they weren’t allowed to do the law enforcement mission.

But we have so many people who are now interested in working with ICE because, under Secretary Nome’s leadership, they’re seeing that we have a viable law enforcement partner in the community. You’re actually out making a difference. We’re really ecstatic about seeing the increase in new recruits who are applying.”

WATCH:

The post Nearly 78,000 New Applicants Flood ICE Recruitment to Help Crack Down on Illegal Immigration (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls on Trump to Commute George Santos’ Excessive 7-Year-Sentence: ‘Some Members of Congress Who’ve Done Far Worse Still Walk Free’

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August 5, 2025

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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R‑GA) has formally thrown down the gauntlet.

On Monday, she submitted a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney pleading for President Trump to commute the 87-month federal sentence of ex‑Congressman George Santos (NY‑03)—a punishment she calls “a grave injustice” and emblematic of a justice system fractured by politically selective persecution.

Greene wrote on X:

“BREAKING: I just sent a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney urging President Trump to commute the sentence of former Congressman @MrSantosNY.

A 7‑year prison sentence for campaign‑related charges is excessive, especially when Members of Congress who’ve done far worse still walk free.

George Santos has taken responsibility. He’s shown remorse. It’s time to correct this injustice. We must demand equal justice under the law!”

Greene signed her letter Aug. 4 to Pardon Attorney Edward Martin Jr. at the Justice Department, demanding Trump use his executive power to undo what she calls a “grave injustice.”

Drawing on inside knowledge, she described Santos as “without a prior criminal record,” “sincerely remorseful,” and portrayed his case as campaign-related maleficence, nothing warranting “one of the most extreme sentences in recent history.”

Green also reminded officials of the roster of current or former lawmakers who actually broke laws or ethics rules yet never lost a day.

The letter reads:

“I am writing to request that your office urge the President to commute the sentence of former Congressman George Santos. In April 2025, Mr. Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. I wholeheartedly believe in justice and the rule of the law, and I understand the gravity of such actions. However, I believe a seven-year sentence for such campaign-related matters for an individual with no prior criminal record extends far beyond what is warranted.

As a Member of Congress, I worked with Mr. Santos on many issues and can attest to his willingness and dedication to serve the people of New York who elected him to office. He committed himself to serving his constituents and did whatever it took to represent their interests in Washington, D.C. He is sincerely remorseful and has accepted full responsibility for his actions. Furthermore, my office has spoken with a pastor of his who discussed the regret and remorse of Mr. Santos, agreeing that the sentence imposed is a grave injustice.

While his crimes warrant punishment, many of my colleagues who I serve with have committed far worse offenses than Mr. Santos yet have faced zero criminal charges. I strongly believe in accountability for one’s actions, but I believe the sentencing of Mr. Santos is an abusive overreach by the judicial system.

Commuting his sentence would acknowledge the severity of his actions and simultaneously provide a path forward in allowing him to make amends for his crimes and strive to better serve the people in his community.

I respectfully request you to urge the President to commute the sentence of Mr. George Santos.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

According to the Advocate, Trump can pardon Santos, but has not been asked about it.

The Advocate reported:

“He lied like hell, and I didn’t know him,” Trump told Newsmax host Rob Finnerty during an interview at the White House. “But he was 100 percent for Trump. I might’ve met him. Maybe, maybe not, but he was a congressman and his vote was solid.”

[…]

In the Newsmax interview, Trump seemed to question the severity of Santos’s sentence. “It sounds like a lot,” he said. “Is it seven years he just went away? It’s a long time.”

Trump went on to say that while he hadn’t been approached about pardoning Santos, the door remained open. “Nobody’s talked to me about it,” he said. “They really haven’t talked to me about [Santos]. They have talked to me about Sean [Combs], but they haven’t talked to me about [George]. But again, with him, I have the right to do it. Nobody’s asked me, but it’s interesting.”

In April, U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert sentenced Santos to 87 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft after a guilty plea in August 2024.

Those charges stemmed from fabricating donor names, laundering campaign funds, misusing donor money, and claiming unemployment while campaigning.

Santos took to social media earlier this year to criticize the ruling and pleaded with President Trump for leniency.

He wrote:

This is the hardest statement I have ever written. I write this humbled, chastened, and fully accountable for choices that shattered the faith so many placed in me.

I betrayed the confidence entrusted to me by many. For that, I offer my deepest apology.

When I pled guilty, I did so without reservation. I said then, and I repeat now, that my conduct betrayed my supporters and diminished the institution I was privileged to serve. Those words have weighed on me every day since.

I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead. I asked the Court for a sentence that balances accountability with the chance to prove through sustained, measurable action that I can still contribute positively to the community I wronged.

I believe that 7 years is an over the top politically influenced sentence and I implore that President Trump gives me a chance to prove I’m more than the mistakes I’ve made.

Before the sentencing, Santos had slammed federal prosecutors for going easy on violent criminals while trying to make an example out of him.

“I will however remind everyone that they want me to go to prison for 87 months while they let sex traffickers walk freely, they give drug lords slaps on the wrist and most importantly refuse to prosecute the cabal of pedophiles running around in every power structure in the world including the US Government,” he wrote on X.

The post Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls on Trump to Commute George Santos’ Excessive 7-Year-Sentence: ‘Some Members of Congress Who’ve Done Far Worse Still Walk Free’ appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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