Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Maryland, co-leading a coalition of 20 attorneys general. The lawsuit targets several federal agencies for conducting what they allege are illegal mass layoffs of federal probationary employees under the Trump administration. These layoffs, according to the coalition, could impose significant financial burdens on states by increasing unemployment claims and disrupting state-federal partnerships.
Attorney General Ellison stated, “Whether Donald Trump likes it or not, there are laws governing large-scale reductions in the federal government’s workforce that his administration must abide by.” He further commented on the necessity of legal action due to what he perceives as "willful violations of the law" by the administration.
The Trump administration reportedly initiated these mass terminations to significantly reduce the size of the federal government. The terminated employees were either newly hired or had recently changed roles and were under a probationary period typically lasting one or two years. Despite termination letters citing unsatisfactory performance or conduct, Ellison and his colleagues argue that proper procedures for such large-scale layoffs were not followed.
Federal regulations require that when a Reduction in Force (RIF) involves 50 or more employees, agencies must provide at least 60 days' notice to state governments. This notice allows states to prepare support services for affected workers. However, Minnesota claims no such notice was given.
Joining Ellison in this legal effort are Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb. They are supported by attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‛i, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.