US Judges Order Reinstatement of Federal Workers Terminated in Mass Firings

Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary federal workers who were terminated as part of mass firings across multiple government agencies. The rulings, issued by judges in Maryland and California, found legal issues with how the terminations were carried out. Judge James Bredar in Maryland ruled that 18 agencies violated regulations governing the laying off of federal workers. His order applies to agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and USAID. Judge William Alsup in California ordered the reinstatement of probationary employees terminated at six agencies, including the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Energy, Interior, and Treasury. Alsup stated that the government must justify staff reductions properly. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration will fight back against the order, arguing it encroaches on the executive branch's power.