Twenty US state have launched legal action against federal agencies, arguing that the Trump administration’s dismissal of thousands of federal probationary workers is unlawful.
Participating states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, alongside the District of Columbia.
Attorney General of Maryland Anthony Brown is leading the coalition, with his state reporting approximately 10% of households dependent on federal wages.
“The draconian actions of the Trump-Vance Administration could lead to tens of thousands of jobs lost, hundreds of thousands of lives disrupted, and the cratering of tens of millions of dollars in income here in Maryland,” stated Democratic Governor Wes Moore on Friday, endorsing the complaint.
Brown, on Friday, submitted a request for a temporary restraining order in Maryland’s federal court to halt additional dismissals and reinstate terminated employees.
The states argue that these dismissals will create substantial burdens, as they must support newly unemployed workers and process unemployment claims. In Maryland alone, over 800 dismissed federal workers have sought unemployment benefits.
The legal action further states that these dismissals will negatively impact state finances through reduced tax revenue.
“President Trump’s unlawful mass firings of federal workers are a blatant attack on the civil service, throwing thousands of hardworking families into financial turmoil,” Brown stated in a news release. “Instead of following the law and notifying states, his administration blindsided Maryland, forcing us to deal with the devastating economic fallout and social consequences.”
The dismissals particularly affect probationary workers, who typically lack complete civil service protection due to their recent employment.
While agencies cited poor performance or conduct as grounds for dismissal, the lawsuit contends these terminations form part of a broader government restructuring initiative.
This necessitated adherence to federal regulations governing large-scale workforce reductions, including consideration of tenure, performance, and veteran status, plus 60 days’ notice before termination.
“This has inflicted and will continue to inflict serious and irreparable harms on the Plaintiff States, as they must now deal with a sudden surge in unemployment, without the advance notice required under the federal (reduction in force) statute and regulations,” states the lawsuit.
Meanwhile, Trump, representing the Republican party, states his aim is to address inefficiencies in federal government. Under his and adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, both new and career staff have been dismissed, with directives for “large-scale reductions in force.” These actions have resulted in multiple legal challenges. The White House and Justice Department were unavailable for comment.
