Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Firing of Probationary Workers Across 19 States
A federal judge has issued an order preventing the Trump administration from terminating thousands of probationary federal workers in 19 states and Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Court Judge James Bredar’s ruling on Wednesday requires 18 federal agencies to reverse the terminations of these workers by April 8th. The decision impacts a wide range of states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, as well as the District of Columbia. This order is specific to the states involved in the lawsuit brought by their attorneys general.
This judicial intervention marks another instance where federal courts have challenged actions taken by the Trump administration. Throughout his term, President Trump faced numerous nationwide injunctions, with approximately 15 significant orders issued against his policies, a number higher than those faced by former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden during their entire presidencies.
The ruling by Judge Bredar adds to the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the Trump administration, with critics like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich labeling such judicial actions as a ‘judicial coup d’etat.’ Gingrich, speaking before a House Judiciary subcommittee, argued that the pattern of injunctions, predominantly issued by judges appointed by Democrats, represents a concerted effort to obstruct the Trump administration’s agenda.
Public opinion, as reflected in recent polls, suggests a majority of Americans believe that no single district judge should have the power to issue a nationwide injunction, highlighting the controversial nature of these judicial decisions. As the debate over the balance of power between the branches of government continues, this latest ruling underscores the significant impact of judicial oversight on federal policy and administration.