The Trump administration faces a lawsuit from the attorneys general of Washington D.C., Maryland, and 18 other states for the mass firing of federal employees. These legal actions aim to provide relief for the thousands of fired workers, particularly probationary employees who were allegedly dismissed based on false performance reasons. The lawsuit alleges that over 20 federal agencies, named as defendants, attempted to reduce their workforce through a process called a reduction in force without following proper protocols. Federal law mandates agencies to notify states at least 60 days in advance of laying off 50 or more employees to allow states to intervene effectively.

The attorneys general argue that economic instability caused by mass layoffs can have a ripple effect on regional economies. They highlight the importance of rapid response teams mandated by federal law to support fired employees with job transition services and reduce their reliance on public assistance. The complaint emphasizes that advance notice of mass layoffs enables states to promptly identify and assist affected workers before their termination. Seeking a temporary restraining order, the attorneys general request a halt to the firing of probationary employees and the reinstatement of those already terminated. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for March 12.