US District Judge William Alsup has issued an order that reinstates thousands of federal employees who have been fired as a result of Elon Musk’s DOGE program this morning, a decision that is causing a massive stir in Washington D.C..
The preliminary injunction will require the departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Agriculture, Interior, Energy, and Treasury to rehire the employees they have recently fired.
It is specifically aimed at the Office of Personnel Management and alleges that the agency unlawfully directed the many agencies listed above to fire probationary employees. Probationary employees are individuals who have been on the job for less than a year.
This decision comes as a massive victory for those who have been protesting and fighting the firing brought on by X owner and Tesla founder Elon Musk.
Musk and his allies at the White House have previously criticized members of the Judicial branch for exercising their constitutional right to stop executive orders deemed to be in violation of the law.
Alsup was appointed to his position by President Bill Clinton.
Judge Aslup Slams Office Of Personnel Management Under Trump
“The court finds that Office of Personnel Management did direct all agencies to terminate probationary employees with the exception of mission critical employees,” he said, rejecting the premise from the Trump Justice Department that the agency merely issued “guidance” that led to the firings.
The judge said the order is effective immediately, adding, “This is the order and it counts.”
The Office of Management and Budget director, Charles Ezell has been ordered to testify in court by Judge Alsup on Thursday.
Alsup added to his criticism of the Trump Justice Department, saying to DOJ Attorney Kelsey Helland,
“You’re afraid to do so because you know cross-examination will reveal the truth. I tend to doubt that you’re telling me the truth. You can’t just say, ‘here’s a declaration, you have to accept it without question’ when there is a question. You’re not helping me get at the truth. You’re giving me press releases – sham documents.”
As evident from the comments of the Judge, this case has taken a very serious tone to the delight of those who have been fired as a result of the decision by the Trump Administration.
