Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Mass Firings of Federal Workers

A federal judge in San Francisco, William Alsup, ruled that the mass firings of probationary federal employees were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief to labor unions and organizations suing the Trump administration over its workforce reduction efforts. The judge emphasized that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) lacks the authority to direct firings of employees across federal agencies, stating, 'OPM does not have any authority whatsoever, under any statute in the history of the universe.' This ruling raises significant concerns regarding the legality of the administration's actions, which have led to the termination of thousands of probationary employees. Although the decision does not guarantee reinstatement for those fired, it serves as a warning to federal agencies about the potential legal ramifications of their actions. The case is part of a broader legal challenge against the administration's attempts to downsize a federal workforce that Trump has criticized as bloated. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for March to continue the proceedings.