On Thursday, March 13th, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary federal employees who were terminated to reduce the size of the government. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge William Alsup, affects workers from several agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Defense.
Alsup criticized the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for what he described as an unlawful strategy to circumvent federal laws governing workforce reductions. He directed federal agencies to offer reinstatement to those affected immediately and prohibited OPM from providing further guidance on terminations.
Judge Alsup stressed that his ruling should not be misinterpreted, stating, “The words that I give you today should not be taken that some wild-and-crazy judge in San Francisco said that an administration cannot engage in a reduction in force.” He added that such actions are permissible “if it’s done in accordance with the law.”
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by federal employee unions and advocacy groups challenging the mass dismissals. Plaintiffs argued that OPM had instructed agencies to fire employees under the guise of performance-based terminations rather than following the legally required procedures for workforce reduction. Alsup agreed, calling the move “a gimmick” to sidestep federal regulations.
Alsup also criticized the Justice Department’s handling of the case, particularly its refusal to make OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell available for cross-examination. The government initially submitted a sworn declaration from Ezell but later withdrew it.
“You’re not helping me get at the truth,” Alsup told a Justice Department attorney. “You’re giving me press releases, sham documents.”
The White House swiftly condemned the ruling, vowing to challenge it. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the decision “absurd and unconstitutional,” asserting that the administration would “immediately fight back.” The Justice Department filed a notice of appeal, signaling its intent to contest the order.
Federal agencies may still proceed with workforce reductions despite the ruling, provided they follow the proper procedures. Alsup stressed that his decision did not prevent the government from downsizing but emphasized that terminations must comply with federal law.
As the legal battle continues, thousands of federal workers await clarity on whether they will return to their positions or face renewed dismissal efforts.
