Federal Board Blocks Firings in Elon Musk's Government Workforce Overhaul

The Merit Systems Protection Board temporarily reinstates six government workers, citing likely illegal dismissals under Musk's Department of Government Efficiency initiative.

The Merit Systems Protection Board ruled that the firing of six probationary government employees under Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency likely violated federal employment laws.
The board ordered their reinstatement with back pay for 45 days while further investigations into the legality of their terminations are conducted.
The Office of Special Counsel found that the dismissals circumvented regulations and were not based on individual performance, prompting broader scrutiny of Musk's workforce reduction efforts.
The decision could set a precedent affecting thousands of other probationary employees dismissed in similar circumstances as part of Musk's mass federal workforce overhaul.
Separately, legal challenges are underway regarding presidential authority over federal agency heads, with implications for the Office of Special Counsel leadership and broader executive powers.