The Merit Systems Protection Board has ordered the reinstatement of nearly 6,000 probationary workers from the Department of Agriculture, challenging President Trump’s efforts to downsize the federal civil service. These workers, who were terminated for allegedly not serving the public interest, will be allowed to return to work temporarily while the board investigates the legality of the mass layoffs. The decision suggests a potential reversal of the Trump administration’s approach to firings in various government agencies.

The case was brought to the board by a forestry technician who received positive feedback and no disciplinary actions before being abruptly fired. The board’s ruling applies to all USDA probationary employees terminated since February 13 based on performance reasons, totaling approximately 5,950 individuals. The Agriculture Department must demonstrate compliance with the reinstatement within five days.

This successful challenge marks the first instance of reinstating thousands of probationary workers targeted for dismissal by the Trump administration. Similar termination disputes have arisen across different agencies, prompting legal battles and scrutiny by the Merit Systems Protection Board. Recent court decisions have also overturned Trump’s attempts to dismiss key officials involved in these cases.

The ongoing developments underscore the importance of adherence to federal personnel laws in terminating probationary employees, emphasizing the necessity of demonstrating individual incompetence for federal employment. The situation continues to evolve as investigations and legal proceedings unfold.