A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to rehire probationary workers who were let go in mass firings across several agencies. U.S. District Judge William Alsup criticized the Office of Personnel Management and its acting director, Charles Ezell, for lacking the authority to make these terminations. The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, defended the administration’s actions, citing executive power over hiring and firing decisions.

Judge Alsup’s order mandates immediate job reinstatement for employees terminated around February 13 and 14 in various departments, including Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior, and the Treasury. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and organizations amidst the federal government’s efforts to downsize its workforce significantly.

Alsup condemned the government’s dismissal of probationary workers as an attempt to bypass workforce reduction regulations, particularly noting cases where employees were fired despite previously receiving positive evaluations. The judge expressed dismay over the unjust treatment of these workers and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in such matters.

While the government argues the legality of the mass firings based on agency reviews, Judge Alsup remains skeptical and has urged the administration to appeal his decision. The case is part of a series of legal challenges regarding the termination of probationary employees, affecting an estimated 200,000 workers across federal agencies, including those in California who provide vital services such as fire prevention and veterans’ care.