The Trump administration is pushing the U.S. Supreme Court to block a preliminary injunction that reinstated thousands of federal workers previously terminated as part of efforts to downsize the federal workforce. The injunction was issued by a California district judge, ordering the return of 16,000 probationary employees who had been illegally dismissed.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing the workers, had requested the injunction, citing constitutional standing principles. However, the Trump administration argued that issues such as delayed government services, including at National Park facilities and FOIA request backlogs, were too indirect to justify the standing.
Additionally, the administration contended that the separation of powers was at risk, as the court’s order encroached on the Executive Branch’s authority to manage personnel decisions, a power vested in the Office of Personnel Management.
AFGE President Everett Kelley responded on March 17, stating, “We will continue fighting to ensure that all federal employees unjustly fired are reinstated.” The Supreme Court is yet to rule on the stay request.
Source: Paige Miller, Jurist Article, University of Arizona College of Law, March 2025
