Trump Administration Faces Legal Pushback Over Mass Federal Worker Firings

Federal judges have ordered the reinstatement of 24,000 probationary workers, citing unlawful terminations, while the administration appeals and places many on administrative leave.

Two federal judges ruled the Trump administration's mass termination of probationary federal workers violated regulations and ordered their reinstatement.
Approximately 24,000 workers across 18 federal agencies are being reinstated, though many are placed on administrative leave rather than returning to full duties.
The administration has appealed the rulings, arguing the terminations were performance-based, but courts found insufficient evidence to support this claim.
The reinstatement process has created significant administrative challenges, with agencies reporting confusion, turmoil, and potential future employment uncertainty for affected workers.
Judges have criticized the administration's compliance with reinstatement orders, stating that placing workers on administrative leave undermines the intent of restoring government services.