Judge Orders Reinstatement of Thousands of Federal Workers Fired by Trump Administration

A federal court ruled that the mass termination of probationary employees violated federal law, prompting a White House vow to appeal.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled that the Office of Personnel Management unlawfully directed the mass firing of thousands of probationary federal employees in February 2025.
The ruling affects six federal agencies, including Defense, Energy, Interior, Agriculture, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, requiring immediate reinstatement of terminated workers.
The firings were deemed a violation of legal procedures for workforce reductions, with the judge calling the justification based on performance a 'sham.'
The White House criticized the ruling as unconstitutional, asserting the president's authority over hiring and firing decisions, and pledged to appeal the decision.
Unions and advocacy groups celebrated the decision as a major victory for workers, though concerns remain about potential future layoffs and agency restructuring plans.