Attorney General Anne Lopez announced that a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing 18 federal agencies from conducting mass layoffs of probationary employees. The ruling mandates the reinstatement of fired employees by March 17, 2025.
"President Trump blindsided the states when he fired thousands of federal probationary employees without giving them the 60-day notice required by law," Lopez stated. "He jeopardized these employees’ financial security and risked overwhelming the states’ ability to help those who were out of work."
Lopez emphasized that the court's decision requires halting unlawful layoffs and restoring jobs nationwide. "These mass firings reflect a disregard for both the law and the essential role of the civil service in maintaining government stability," she said. "Our office is committed to upholding the rule of law and will take every necessary legal step to ensure compliance with this court order."
The TRO follows Lopez joining a coalition of 20 attorneys general in suing several federal agencies over what they describe as irreparable harm caused by these actions. The state of Hawaiʻi is represented in this matter by Solicitor General Kalikoʻonālani Fernandes and Special Assistant to the Attorney General Dave Day.
Joining Lopez in this legal effort are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.