California Court Blocks Trump's Federal Workforce Downsizing

A California appeals court halted the Trump administration's mass firing of federal workers. This decision demands the rehiring of over 16,000 probationary workers. The firings were deemed an attempt to bypass workforce reduction laws. The administration plans to appeal the ruling, arguing it can't be micromanaged.

A California appeals court has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to downsize the federal workforce through mass firings. This landmark decision, issued by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, upheld Judge William Alsup's order for the immediate rehiring of over 16,000 federal workers.

Judge Alsup ruled that the administration's approach violated established laws and protections, targeting probationary workers with glowing evaluations. His decision has sparked widespread legal challenges, with the government claiming that judicial orders cannot dictate federal workforce policies.

The administration has appealed Alsup's ruling to the Supreme Court, calling it an overreach that impedes presidential authority over hiring and firing. Meanwhile, legal battles, including those filed by labor unions and nonprofits, continue to challenge the scope and legality of the firings.

(With inputs from agencies.)