The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday paused the Trump administration's efforts to dismiss the head of an independent agency charged with investigating whistleblower claims as the president seeks to remake the federal government.

The justices ruled that the head of the Office of Special Counsel could stay in his position at least until Feb. 26.

The Trump administration had sought emergency relief over the president’s ability to fire the head of a watchdog agency that protects whistleblowers.