Summary

A federal judge denied the Trump administration’s request to delay reinstating tens of thousands of unlawfully fired federal employees, accusing the DOJ of “stonewalling” the case.

Judge William Alsup criticized the administration for refusing to let officials testify, withdrawing key declarations, and submitting new evidence only after rulings.

The mass firings targeted probationary employees, allegedly to bypass workforce reduction laws. The DOJ plans to appeal but faces skepticism over its justification.

Alsup reaffirmed that OPM cannot disguise directives as mere guidance to evade accountability.