A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily reinstate thousands of federal employees who were terminated recently, citing unlawful actions by federal agencies in carrying out mass firings. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar granted a 14-day stay in response to a case brought by 20 Democratic attorneys general from various states, including Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The judge’s ruling, issued shortly after a similar decision by a federal judge in San Francisco, requires 18 federal agencies to reinstate probationary employees who were fired under what was deemed as “illegal RIFs” (reductions in force). The judge found that agencies had failed to follow proper procedures for mass layoffs, leading to significant disruptions for the affected employees and states.

The court order covers probationary employees nationwide and includes agencies such as the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Homeland Security, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency and General Services Administration. While some agencies were excluded from the order due to insufficient evidence of illegal firings, the ruling aims to provide relief to impacted workers and prevent economic instability in regional economies.

The lawsuit in Maryland is part of a series of legal challenges seeking redress for probationary workers dismissed in recent months. The Trump administration’s appeal against these rulings comes amid broader cuts to the federal workforce, with agencies like the Department of Education announcing significant layoffs. The ongoing legal battle underscores the complex interplay between federal power, employee rights, and state jurisdiction in matters of employment termination within the government.