US Judge Stops White House from Enforcing Mass Firings of Federal Workers: What It Means for Employees and the Government

A federal judge in San Francisco has stopped the White House from firing probationary federal staff. This decision is seen as a setback for former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who have plans to reduce the size of the government.

Judge William Alsup issued a temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) after it advised federal agencies to identify probationary employees and consider layoffs. Recently, several agencies had started to lay off these workers based on the OPM’s guidance.

Judge Alsup made it clear that the OPM does not have the power to hire or fire employees in other agencies. He stated, “It can hire its own employees, yes. But it cannot order or direct another agency to do so.” He ruled that the recent layoffs were illegal and should be reversed.

The judge also instructed the OPM to inform the Pentagon about his decision, as the Pentagon had intended to terminate probationary workers as well. So far, there has been no response from the OPM or the Pentagon regarding this ruling.

This order is part of a broader push by Trump and Musk to streamline government operations. Musk has been leading an initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to access sensitive government data, including taxpayer information.

Recently, President Biden asked federal agencies to carry out major workforce reductions. In a related move, the Merit Systems Protection Board reinstated six probationary federal workers who had been let go.

The legal ruling came after unions and non-profit organizations, including the American Federation of Government Employees, filed a complaint. The plaintiffs argued that the OPM did not have the legal authority to direct federal agencies to fire employees. They highlighted that such powers are granted by Congress.

Everett Kelley, the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, welcomed the ruling as a significant victory for those who were wrongly terminated. He emphasized that it was crucial for protecting the rights of government workers across the country.

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