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3mo ago

Federal Judge Orders Trump Official to Testify on Mass Firings of Federal Employees

Judge William Alsup demands Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell testify about alleged illegal directives to terminate thousands of probationary workers.

Demonstrators gather outside of the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 7, 2025, to protest federal layoffs. U.S. District Judge William Alsup of San Francisco, said OPM's acting director must testify this week on the firings.
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Overview

  • U.S. District Judge William Alsup has ordered Acting Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Charles Ezell to testify under oath about his role in the termination of thousands of federal employees.
  • The mass firings, targeting probationary employees, were allegedly directed by Ezell in a February 13 conference call, though he denies issuing mandatory orders for dismissals.
  • The Trump administration sought to cancel Ezell’s testimony, citing constitutional concerns and claiming the directive was merely 'guidance,' but the judge rejected this argument.
  • Judge Alsup warned of potential sanctions, including nullifying Ezell’s sworn declaration, if he fails to appear at the March 13 hearing in San Francisco.
  • The case raises broader questions about the administration's authority to impose mass terminations and its efforts to significantly reduce the size of the federal workforce.