Attorney General Kris Mayes has joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against several federal agencies. The lawsuit aims to halt what they describe as illegal mass layoffs of federal probationary employees, which are believed to impose significant burdens and expenses on states.
“These mass firings aren’t about performance—they’re about politics and ideology,” said Attorney General Mayes. “The Trump administration’s actions are reckless and illegal. Just yesterday, I heard from veterans, educators, and community leaders who are deeply concerned about how these terminations will disrupt families and critical services in Arizona. I will keep fighting to hold the Trump administration accountable and ensure they follow the law.”
The Trump administration's initiative to reduce the size of the federal government involved ordering numerous agencies to terminate thousands of probationary employees. These individuals are typically new hires or those recently promoted or transferred, subject to a probationary period of one or two years.
Despite claims by federal agencies that the terminations were due to unsatisfactory performance or conduct, it is argued that the dismissals were part of an effort to restructure and downsize the federal government.
The lawsuit asserts that such actions require adherence to federal laws governing large-scale "Reductions in Force" (RIF), which include protections for personnel like military veterans. These regulations mandate that when 50 or more employees face layoffs, agencies must provide at least 60 days' advance notice to state governments for rapid response planning.
Arizona did not receive any advance notice, leading to significant challenges as it addresses the abrupt job losses among its residents. The state's legal action seeks court rulings declaring these firings illegal, reinstating unlawfully terminated employees, preventing further similar actions, and identifying affected workers.
Joining Attorney General Mayes in this legal effort are attorneys general from Maryland, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‛i, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
A copy of the complaint is available below.