In a bold move that raises eyebrows across the nation, US District Judge William Alsup, a Clinton appointee, has accused the Trump Administration of violating a court order. This centers around the rehiring of thousands of probationary employees from six key federal agencies.
On Thursday, Judge Alsup declared that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), under the Trump Administration, unlawfully terminated these employees, demanding their immediate reinstatement.
The judge, known for his activist leanings, openly criticized the administration, expressing that he felt “misled by the US Government.” He further instructed the involved federal agencies to offer these workers their jobs back.
Judge Alsup voiced his discontent, stating, “It is a sad day when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that’s a lie.” He emphasized the unjust nature of these actions, labeling them a “sham” to circumvent statutory requirements.
The agencies affected by this ruling include:
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Department of Defense (DOD)
- Department of Energy
- Department of the Interior
- Department of the Treasury
- Department of Agriculture
On Saturday, Judge Alsup further declined to halt his order, criticizing the acting OPM Chief for not testifying, as reported by Politico’s Josh Gerstein.
This order pauses to address defendants’ attempts to frustrate fact-finding. The defense submitted a single declaration, from defendant Charles Ezell, in opposition to plaintiffs’ motion for a TRO. The undersigned ordered defendant Ezell to appear for cross-examination at the subsequent evidentiary hearing, or, alternatively, to submit to a deposition at his convenience. Plaintiffs were likewise ordered to make their declarants available for examination. Defendants chose to withdraw the Ezell declaration to avoid submitting its declarant to examination, in violation of this Court’s order.
JUST IN: Judge William Alsup declines to stay his order requiring rehiring of probationary employees at 6 federal departments, calls OPM acting chief failure to testify ‘violation of this court’s order.’ Doc: https://t.co/YbKxQGkwFg Earlier: https://t.co/OKSsElfZHw
— Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein)
March 16, 2025
In response, the White House stood firm, appealing Judge Alsup’s controversial order.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement, emphasizing, “A single judge is attempting to unconstitutionally seize the power of hiring and firing from the Executive Branch. The President has the authority to exercise the power of the entire executive branch – singular district court judges cannot abuse the power of the entire judiciary to thwart the President’s agenda.”
She further declared, “If a federal district court judge would like executive powers, they can try and run for President themselves. The Trump Administration will immediately fight back against this absurd and unconstitutional order.”
