Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with a group of 20 attorneys general, successfully obtained a preliminary injunction against the Trump Administration for the mass firing of federal probationary employees. The injunction was secured in the case of Maryland et al. v. USDA, filed in the United States District Court for Maryland. This court decision requires 20 federal agencies to reinstate terminated probationary employees while the legal proceedings continue and mandates compliance with legal protocols for any future employee reductions.

"Illegally firing probationary employees without following lawful procedures is not only reckless but a blatant abuse of power," stated Nessel. She emphasized that the injunction ensures the White House cannot dismiss federal workers unilaterally without appropriate legal assessment. She added her commitment to protecting public servants and vital federal programs.

The lawsuit led by Nessel, initiated on March 6, 2025, targeted numerous federal agencies, citing significant harm to Michigan and other states involved. A temporary restraining order (TRO) was granted on March 13, 2025, affecting 18 federal agencies, and was extended to prevent potential adverse impacts on the plaintiff states and their employees.

Now under a preliminary injunction, the involved federal agencies must halt the mass terminations and reinstate affected employees within the suing states. These agencies include the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, and several others.

Nessel collaborated with attorneys general from states including Maryland, Minnesota, and others, as well as the District of Columbia.