Federal Agencies Rehire Thousands of Previously Dismissed Workers
In Washington, more than 24,000 employees across 18 federal agencies, who were initially dismissed under President Trump's initiative to reduce government size, are now being rehired. This follows a recent order from a federal judge.
The Trump administration had detailed the number of probationary employees—those typically employed for less than a year—affected by the workforce reduction plans. This information was submitted in compliance with a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge James Bredar.
Human resources officials from 18 agencies, impacted by Bredar's order, reported on the number of probationary employees dismissed last month who are now being reinstated. Judge Bredar, serving on the federal district court in Maryland, temporarily halted the mass dismissals and mandated the reinstatement of these workers. He is the second judge to require the Trump administration to rehire dismissed federal employees.
The Justice Department has appealed both judicial decisions. However, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Appeals for the 9th Circuit refused to pause one of the orders from a federal district judge in California during ongoing proceedings.
Human resources officials stated they are working to comply with Bredar's order but warned that reinstating the employees could lead to "significant confusion" and disruption. They also noted that an appeals court might overturn the district court's decision, potentially leading to further changes in employment status for the affected workers.
Most of the rehired employees have been placed on administrative leave with full pay and benefits. In a separate case in California challenging the dismissals, Justice Department lawyers explained that placing employees on administrative leave is a preliminary step in reinstating probationary workers. The judge in that case also ordered the reinstatement of probationary employees at six agencies.
Melissa Quinn, a politics reporter, covers U.S. politics with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts.