The Whistleblower Protection Act prohibits retaliation against federal employees, applicants, or former employees for disclosing the following types of government wrongdoing:

• a violation of any law, rule, or regulation;

• gross mismanagement;

• gross waste of funds;

• abuse of authority; or

• a substantial or specific danger to public health or safety.

(5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8).  It also protected exercising an an employee’s right to blow the whistle, or to file, assist,or participate in a complaint, appeal, or grievance.  See 5 U.S.C. § 2302.