44° and Clear
Attorney General Sues to Halt Mass Firings of Federal Probationary Employees
New Jersey joins a coalition of 20 states challenging the Trump administration’s large-scale terminations, which allegedly violate federal law and impose financial burdens on states.
TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against multiple federal agencies, challenging the mass termination of federal probationary employees ordered by the Trump administration. The lawsuit argues that these layoffs violate federal regulations governing large-scale federal workforce reductions, placing undue financial strain on states.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks to reinstate unlawfully fired employees, block further terminations, and require the administration to identify affected workers.
“In its callous and reckless mass firings of probationary federal employees, the Trump Administration has harmed thousands of employees and families themselves, including many veterans in our state who have dutifully served their country in uniform,” said Attorney General Platkin. “These firings have also damaged collaboration between our state and federal government and caused significant expenses to New Jersey. They are not only short-sighted but are illegal, and today we are taking the Trump Administration to court in order to reverse them.”
Mass Firings and Their Impact
In a sweeping effort to dramatically reduce the size of the federal government, the Trump administration ordered mass layoffs of probationary employees—federal workers who are either newly hired, recently promoted, or have changed offices and are still within a one- to two-year probationary period.
Legal Violations and State Impact
The attorneys general argue that the administration failed to comply with federal law regarding “Reductions in Force” (RIF):
- When a federal agency lays off 50 or more employees, it must provide at least 60 days’ advance notice to state governments so they can prepare support programs for affected workers.
- Agencies must also give special job retention preferences to military veterans and other protected groups.
However, the lawsuit states that federal agencies failed to provide any such notice, forcing states to suddenly absorb the economic and logistical consequences of mass layoffs.
New Jersey’s Immediate Challenges
Since January 20, approximately 400 terminated federal employees in New Jersey have already applied for unemployment benefits. The lawsuit highlights that:
- The unexpected surge in unemployment claims is straining state resources.
- State agencies partnering with federal counterparts are experiencing disruptions in essential services.
Key Demands in the Lawsuit
The coalition is seeking a court ruling that:
- Declares the mass firings illegal for failing to follow federal workforce reduction procedures.
- Orders the reinstatement of unlawfully terminated employees.
- Stops further similar terminations until proper procedures are followed.
- Requires the federal government to identify all affected employees.
States Joining the Lawsuit
New Jersey’s lawsuit is co-led by attorneys general from Maryland, Minnesota, and the District of Columbia and joined by Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit represents a major legal challenge to the Trump administration’s federal workforce policies. If successful, the case could reinstate thousands of jobs nationwide and prevent further layoffs without proper legal notice.
As the case progresses, New Jersey and other states will continue to monitor the economic fallout of the terminations while advocating for fair treatment of affected workers and compliance with federal employment laws.
