Housing

Trump Housing Agency Removes Lawyers Who Filed Whistleblower Report

The fair housing attorneys said they face retaliation for signing a report criticizing the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s leadership.

Fair housing attorneys Paul Osadebe (left) and Palmer Heenan are facing dismissal by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development on Sept. 29. — Fair housing attorneys Paul Osadebe (left) and Palmer Heenan are facing dismissal by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development on Sept. 29.
Kriston Capps

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By Sarah Holder, Kriston Capps, and Josh Eidelson

September 29, 2025 at 9:38 PM UTC

Updated on

September 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM UTC

The Department of Housing and Urban Development moved to fire two HUD civil rights attorneys who signed a whistleblower disclosure alleging a pullback in fair housing enforcement at the agency.

Fair housing lawyers Paul Osadebe and Palmer Heenan said they were summoned separately to meetings with HUD operations personnel on Sept. 29. Both were given letters and asked to collect their belongings and leave the building.