Trump Administration Appeals Supreme Court Over Mass Federal Worker Firings
Supreme Court Petition Filed
The Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to stay a ruling by a California judge that mandates the rehiring of over 16,000 federal workers previously laid off as part of government downsizing efforts. The administration argues that the judge’s directive exceeds judicial authority and imposes significant logistical and financial burdens on the government.
Legal Dispute Over Workforce Reduction
This appeal is part of an ongoing legal battle concerning the administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce. In February 2025, U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled that the mass terminations of probationary federal employees were likely unlawful. He ordered their reinstatement, stating that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) did not have the authority to direct such firings. Instead, he emphasized that only individual agencies have the legal power to hire and fire their employees.
Potential Impact of the Supreme Court Ruling
The administration’s appeal to the Supreme Court highlights the continuing conflict between executive efforts to downsize government operations and judicial interpretations of employment laws. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for federal employment policies and the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary.
