Judge Orders Reinstatement of Thousands of Fired Federal Workers Amid Controversy
U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled that mass firings of probationary federal workers were unlawful and ordered reinstatement.
The order will apply to thousands of probationary workers who were fired at the Agriculture, Defence, Energy, Interior, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs departments.
Judge orders rehiring of workers fired by Trump administration
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The judge's ruling serves as a significant setback for the Trump administration's efforts to streamline the federal workforce.
"It was a sham": Judge orders Trump admin to reinstate thousands of fired federal workers
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A federal judge has ordered federal agencies to rehire tens of thousands of probationary employees who were terminated as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
Judge orders Trump admin to rehire thousands of fired federal workers
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The administration is expected to attempt an appeal against Alsup’s ruling, but for now thousands of federal workers summarily ousted from their positions can count a win in their column.
Judge Orders Trump Administration to Give Federal Workers Their Jobs Back
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The order comes just as agencies are set to undertake even more firings, or "reduction in force" in federal jargon.
Federal judge orders agencies to bring back fired probationary workers
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If the Trump administration wants to reduce the size of the federal government, they need to follow the process established in federal law.
Judge orders thousands of fired probationary federal employees reinstated
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However, Democratic lawmakers have called the worker cuts erratic and poorly executed, with little clear analysis of the potential impact.
Judge orders return of dismissed probationary workers at VA, DOD
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The Trump administration last month fired thousands of probationary employees, generally those who were in their roles for less than a year, as part of the president's efforts to shrink the size of the federal government.
Judge orders 6 agencies to rehire fired federal probationary workers after "unlawful" terminations
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The order is one of the most far-reaching rejections of the Trump administration’s effort to slash the bureaucracy and is almost certain to be appealed.
Judge Orders Trump to Reinstate Fired Employees, Calls Mass Firings a 'Sham'
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The judge earlier ruled OPM lacked the power to fire workers, including probationary employees who normally have less than a year of civil service on the job.
Judge orders Trump admin to reinstate probationary workers fired at 6 agencies
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At least 30,000 probationary employees working for the federal government have been fired as part of the efforts of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s so-called “department of government efficiency” to slash the federal workforce and government expenditures.
Judge orders Trump administration to reinstate most fired probationary staff
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The judge also ordered that any further terminations of probationary employees must be made by the departments or agencies themselves, within the regulations outlined in the Civil Service Reform Action, and Reduction in Force Act.
Judge orders some federal agencies to reinstate thousands of probationary workers
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The potential scale of Trump's efforts to shrink the U.S. federal government could become clearer on Thursday, the deadline for government agencies to submit plans for a second wave of mass layoffs and to slash their budgets.
Federal judge orders Trump administration to reinstate thousands of fired workers
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The decision marks a significant stand against President Trump's sweeping efforts to remake the federal government.
Thousands of fired federal workers must be offered reinstatement, a judge rules
NPR·6d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Alsup expressed frustration with what he called the government’s attempt to sidestep laws and regulations governing a reduction in its workforce — which it is allowed to do — by firing probationary workers who lack protections.
Judge orders Trump to reinstate probationary workers let go in mass firings across multiple agencies
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Alsup has already said that the evidence in the case "points in favor" of the plaintiffs, and he’s cast doubt on the Justice Department’s argument that various federal agencies fired probationary employees because of their own decision-making.
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Summary
U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled on March 13 that the mass firings of probationary federal workers from agencies such as Veterans Affairs and Defense violated procedural laws. He labeled the firings as a "sham" tactic by the Trump administration to bypass lawful practices. The Department of Justice argued the firings followed OPM guidance, but Alsup countered that evidence indicated OPM’s direct orders led to terminations. Agencies must comply within seven days. The ruling impacts an estimated 30,000 workers, with appeals from the Trump administration anticipated, as the White House criticized the decision as unconstitutional.
Perspectives
A federal judge ruled that thousands of probationary federal employees must be reinstated after being unlawfully terminated by the Trump administration, expressing frustration with the government's handling of the case.
Judge William Alsup condemned the administration's actions as a sham to circumvent legal requirements for job reductions and highlighted the lack of transparency in the dismissal process.
While the administration claims the firings were lawful based on performance evaluations, the judge noted many employees received positive evaluations prior to their dismissal, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the claims.
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