State attorneys general from 20 states have filed a lawsuit challenging the mass termination of federal workers under the Trump administration, but the Department of Justice argues their claims are meritless. In a new court filing, DOJ lawyers contend that states have no legal standing to intervene in federal employment matters and insist that their case is destined to fail.
According to the DOJ, government employment disputes are governed by federal statutes, which provide an exclusive process for handling adverse personnel actions. The filing asserts that states cannot bypass these procedures by citing indirect harm caused by the terminations. The administration is urging the court to reject the states’ request for a temporary restraining order that would prevent the Department of Agriculture from dismissing probationary employees without individualized performance reviews and adherence to formal reduction-in-force protocols.
The lawsuit also seeks reinstatement of employees who were allegedly terminated unlawfully and calls for regular government updates on its compliance with federal employment regulations. However, the DOJ argues that a similar lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., by a federal employees’ union was unsuccessful in obtaining the relief sought. Additional legal challenges in other jurisdictions, including California, have likewise failed to block the terminations.
The government maintains that these dismissals align with efforts to enhance federal workforce performance and efficiency. A memorandum issued on the administration’s first day in office emphasized the importance of maintaining a high standard of civil service. The DOJ claims the terminations reflect this policy shift and should not be overturned through state-led legal action.
The administration further warns that granting the requested injunction would impose significant financial burdens on the federal government, including the cost of continuing to pay salaries and benefits for individuals no longer employed. It argues that these expenses would likely be unrecoverable if the lawsuit is ultimately unsuccessful.
The states argue that federal regulations require agencies to follow specific procedures, including providing at least 60 days’ notice before implementing large-scale layoffs. They contend that the mass firings have created instability within their communities and violate legal protections for government employees. Despite these claims, the DOJ maintains that the states lack the authority to interfere in federal employment decisions, reinforcing its position that the lawsuit is without merit.
