Judge halts Trump’s plan to fire federal workers

A US federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s mass firing order for federal employees on Thursday. Judge William Alsup ruled that the US Office of Personnel Management lacked the authority to direct agencies to fire workers, including probationary employees with less than a year of experience.

The ruling follows Trump and Elon Musk’s cost-cutting plan under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Judge Alsup revoked the administration’s January 20 memo and February 14 email, both of which ordered agencies to identify and dismiss non-“mission-critical” probationary employees.

Alsup warned that mass firings would harm national parks, scientific research, and veteran services. He emphasized that probationary employees play a crucial role in government renewal.

Despite the ruling, the Department of Defense still plans to fire 5,400 probationary workers on Friday, as it falls outside the lawsuit’s scope. The judge, however, ordered the government to inform the department that the email and memo were invalid.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, criticized the administration’s move, calling it an attack on federal workers. He argued that these employees serve communities but face termination due to Trump’s push for privatization.

The US Justice Department defended the administration, stating the memo and email only requested agencies to review employees, not mandate terminations. However, a new White House memo on Wednesday directed agencies to submit staffing reduction plans by March 13.