Trump Slams 'Dangerous' Judge's Order to Rehire Federal Workers, Eyes Supreme Court

President Donald Trump has voiced sharp criticism against a recent federal court ruling that mandates the rehiring of thousands of probationary federal workers fired as part of his administration's efforts to trim the government workforce. Trump suggested the case may ultimately require a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, framing the judge’s actions as overreach.

"It's a judge that's putting himself in the position of the president of the United States, who was elected by close to 80 million votes," Trump remarked aboard Air Force One on Sunday night. "That's a very dangerous thing for our country. And I would suspect that we're going to have to get a decision from the Supreme Court."

The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge William Alsup, a Clinton appointee, came during a hearing in San Francisco. The lawsuit, brought by labor unions and other organizations, challenges the mass firings initiated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Alsup’s decision has sparked a legal tug-of-war, with the Trump administration filing appeals in the 4th and 9th Circuit courts while complying with the order in the interim.

Adding to the drama, a second judge, this time appointed by former President Barack Obama, also issued a similar ruling. U.S. District Judge James Bredar in Baltimore ordered the Trump administration to halt the firings for two weeks and revert to previous workforce regulations, citing procedural violations in the administration's mass layoff strategy.

Trump didn’t hold back in his criticism of the ruling, calling it "absolutely ridiculous." He argued that many of the probationary workers targeted in the layoffs "don't show up for work" and even suggested that some may not even exist. "And a judge wants us to pay them, even if they don't know they exist and if they exist," he said.

The administration contends that the layoffs were based on performance issues rather than violating labor regulations. Trump's legal team has filed an appeal, arguing that states lack standing to interfere in the federal government’s employment decisions.

Probationary workers, who are typically within their initial trial employment period and lack the civil service protections extended to regular federal employees, have borne the brunt of these layoffs. Unsurprisingly, the move has triggered multiple lawsuits, adding to an already overwhelming legal docket for the administration. Over 100 lawsuits have been filed against Trump’s executive orders since he took office.

Meanwhile, some states have begun offering employment opportunities to the affected workers, further complicating the federal government’s position. This unfolding legal and political saga highlights the deep divisions over federal workforce policies under the Trump administration.