Story perspectives

Judge Rules Trump Admin Illegally Fired 25,000 Workers

9/13/2025

Center

Judge Rules Against Trump

A federal judge found that the Trump administration unlawfully directed the firing of thousands of federal workers but did not mandate reinstatement due to Supreme Court rulings.
Judge William Alsup determined that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) improperly ordered mass firings of probationary employees, impacting around 25,000 workers.
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) changed its position, stating agencies had not terminated enough probationary employees.
Former employees are suing OSC for halting its investigation into mass firings, alleging violations of the Administrative Procedure Act.
The lawsuit claims OSC's actions lack a statutory basis and disregard its legal responsibilities.

Right

Judge Upholds Funding Cuts

A federal judge ruled against education and research groups, permitting the Trump administration to end over $1 billion in National Science Foundation grants.
Judge Jia Cobb noted the court likely lacks jurisdiction over the plaintiffs' claims and found no evidence of irreparable harm.
The lawsuit alleged violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional rights, but the judge denied a preliminary injunction.
The NSF's funding shift followed Trump's executive order to cut support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Plaintiffs, including educational associations, plan to pursue further legal action.

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Judge Rules Against Trump

A federal judge found that the Trump administration unlawfully directed the firing of thousands of federal workers but did not mandate reinstatement due to Supreme Court rulings.
Judge William Alsup determined that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) improperly ordered mass firings of probationary employees, impacting around 25,000 workers.
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) changed its position, stating agencies had not terminated enough probationary employees.
Former employees are suing OSC for halting its investigation into mass firings, alleging violations of the Administrative Procedure Act.
The lawsuit claims OSC's actions lack a statutory basis and disregard its legal responsibilities.

1 / 2