Federal Judge Orders Reinstatement of Thousands of Fired Employees

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — A federal judge has mandated that several U.S. agencies immediately reinstate thousands of probationary employees who were terminated last month amid efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued the preliminary injunction on Thursday, requiring the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, and Treasury to rehire the affected employees. Alsup, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, indicated that the order could be expanded to include additional federal agencies in the future.

Judge Alsup’s ruling stems from his belief that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unlawfully directed these agencies to dismiss probationary employees, many of whom have been in their positions for less than a year. He stated, “The court finds that Office of Personnel Management did direct all agencies to terminate probationary employees with the exception of mission critical employees,” denying Justice Department claims that OPM simply provided guidance.

The judge’s order is effective immediately. “This is the order and it counts,” he affirmed. Judge Alsup’s ruling came after he expressed frustration with the Justice Department’s refusal to present acting OPM director Charles Ezell for testimony regarding the mass terminations.

Alsup had summoned Ezell to testify in court, anticipating extensive questioning from attorneys representing labor unions challenging the OPM’s actions. However, the Justice Department withdrew Ezell’s declaration submitted last month, which served as the government’s only evidence related to the case. “You’re afraid to do so because you know cross-examination will reveal the truth,” Alsup told DOJ attorney Kelsey Helland.

Moreover, the judge criticized the DOJ’s argument, stating, “You can’t just say, ‘here’s a declaration, you have to accept it without question’ when there is a question.” Alsup contended that the government has presented falsified documents rather than aiding the court in uncovering the truth surrounding the firings.

While the exact number of probationary workers affected by the firings is uncertain, estimates indicate tens of thousands have been let go in recent weeks. Alsup’s previous ruling temporarily blocked OPM from directing agencies to terminate probationary workers. However, some agencies have continued to enact layoffs.

In addressing the impact of the mass firings, Judge Alsup remarked, “It is a sad day when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that’s a lie,” emphasizing the serious nature of the situation.

Following this ruling, the judge has ordered immediate actions to ensure compliance, including the deposition of OPM senior advisor Noah Peters in the coming weeks. Alsup’s strict directives signal a vital examination of the measures taken by the Trump administration during this transition period.

Responses to the ruling have been swift. The legal actions from labor unions and interest groups assert that OPM’s directives were unlawful, claiming that the government has mismanaged the terminations by masquerading performance-related firings as administrative measures.

As this is a developing story, further updates will be provided as situations unfold surrounding this high-profile case.