Judge orders reinstatement of fired Federal employees

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Print Paper , / Saturday, March 15th, 2025

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A U.S. federal judge has ordered multiple federal agencies to reinstate thousands of probationary employees fired under the Trump administration’s workforce reduction efforts.
The ruling, issued by Judge William Alsup, mandates the immediate rehiring of affected workers at the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, and Treasury. The decision could later extend to other agencies.
Alsup criticized the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for directing the terminations, calling the move an unlawful attempt to bypass workforce reduction laws. He dismissed the government’s claim that the firings were based on performance, labeling the justification as a “sham” meant to circumvent legal requirements.
The Justice Department plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the decision undermines executive authority over hiring and firing. The White House condemned the injunction, calling it an unconstitutional interference in presidential powers.
A second ruling from a Maryland court also temporarily reinstated probationary employees at 18 additional agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The case, brought by labor unions, challenges the administration’s approach to workforce reductions. Judge Alsup sharply criticized the Justice Department for withholding key testimony, further questioning the credibility of the administration’s defense.
With thousands of federal employees awaiting reinstatement, the legal battle is expected to continue in higher courts