A U.S. judge on Thursday ordered six federal agencies to rehire thousands of probationary workers who were dismissed as part of former President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce the size and scope of the government.
Judge William Alsup ruled that the mass layoffs, justified by claims of “poor performance,” were unlawful and aimed at circumventing statutory requirements.
Alsup, ruling on a lawsuit filed by employee unions, directed the departments of the Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Interior to reinstate workers who were improperly fired.
The ruling has drawn a response from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration would “fight back against this absurd and unconstitutional order,” asserting that the President has the authority to exercise the power of the entire executive branch.
She added, “Singular district court judges cannot abuse the power of the entire judiciary to thwart the President’s agenda.”
