Two federal judges’ rulings that the Trump administration invite back thousands of fired probationary federal workers present agencies and individuals alike with some daunting choices.
For workers who were fired en masse, the legal vindication from judges on opposite ends of the country raised hopes and questions about the path forward.
While the Energy Department swiftly responded to the court order, reinstating probationary fires and eliminating terminations from employee records, there was no clear immediate response at the Interior Department or EPA. Interior let go 2,300 probationary employees; EPA initially fired 388 probationary staffers, and then called some of them back.
“I am relieved that the ruling has recognized my firing as illegal and unjust,” said one former Bureau of Reclamation scientist in an email, adding, “I hope this decision leads to a fair resolution for myself and others who were impacted.” The scientist, granted anonymity to speak freely, said that “if given the opportunity” they would return to Reclamation. “I believe in the mission, and I will not be bullied out of doing the work that matters.”
