Summary

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has ordered the USDA to reinstate nearly 6,000 fired probationary employees (new hires) for 45 days, citing likely unlawful terminations.

The Trump administration dismissed them starting February 13, claiming their employment wasn’t “in the public interest.”

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel argues the mass firings violated federal workforce laws.

This is the first major case reversing Trump’s federal downsizing efforts, potentially leading to reinstatements of similar terminations across agencies.