On what legal basis is Hampton Dellinger challenging his dismissal?

Dellinger is challenging his dismissal based on specific legal protections that limit when someone in his position can be removed from office. According to the law, which CBS News Chief Legal Correspondent Jan Crawford confirms is 'pretty clear,' officials in Dellinger's position can only be dismissed for performance-related issues such as inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. The dismissal email sent to Dellinger did not cite any of these legally required reasons for his termination. This absence of proper justification forms the foundation of Dellinger's legal argument that his removal violated whistleblower protection laws.