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The ex- leader's administration on Monday requested the US Supreme Court to permit the removal of the director of the US Copyright Office.

This urgent request comes about six weeks after a national appellate court in Washington decided that the official, Shira Perlmutter, cannot be unilaterally fired.

Nearly one month ago, the entire District of Columbia appeals court refused to reconsider that decision.

This legal matter is the latest in a series of disputes related to executive power to place preferred heads at federal offices.

The High Court has generally permitted such actions, even as court challenges proceed.

However, this particular case involves an bureau within the national library. Perlmutter serves as the copyright registrar and also counsels the legislature on copyright issues.

The solicitor general, D John Sauer, stated in the legal document that, despite connections to the legislative branch, the director “wields administrative authority” in overseeing intellectual property rights.

Perlmutter alleges she was fired in May because the ex-leader disagreed with recommendations she provided to lawmakers in a report concerning artificial intelligence.

She allegedly got an message from the White House notifying her that her position was “ended starting immediately,” as stated by her office.

A divided appellate panel decided that Perlmutter could retain her position while the case moves forward.

“The Executive's alleged obvious meddling with the work of a Legislative Branch official, as she performs legally approved responsibilities to advise Congress, appears to be a breach of the separation of powers,” wrote Justice Florence Pan for the appeals court.

Judge J Michelle Childs supported the ruling. Both justices were nominated to the appeals court by Democratic President Joe Biden.

In opposition, Judge Justin Walker, a Trump appointee, wrote that Perlmutter “uses executive power in a host of manners.”

Perlmutter's attorneys have contended that she is a renowned intellectual property expert. She has served as copyright director since former head librarian Carla Hayden appointed her to the position in October 2020.

The ex-leader appointed deputy attorney general Todd Blanche to succeed Hayden at the national library. The White House had dismissed Hayden following criticism from conservatives that she was advancing a “progressive” agenda.