New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with 19 other attorneys general, has initiated legal action against the Trump administration. The lawsuit alleges that the administration illegally terminated thousands of probationary federal workers without providing required advance notice to employees and states. This action has reportedly affected hundreds in New York alone.
Attorney General James stated, “Whether it’s providing health care to our veterans, keeping our communities safe, or ensuring our children get a quality education, federal employees provide essential services every day.” She criticized the mass firings as a disregard for those who have dedicated their careers to public service.
The layoffs have impacted various sectors in New York. In late February, 372 federal workers filed for unemployment benefits in the state. Over 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees were dismissed nationwide during February, affecting facilities in New York. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw seven staffers assigned to New York City laid off. More than 100 Internal Revenue Service employees in Buffalo and Syracuse lost their jobs during tax season. Additionally, significant cuts occurred at the National Labor Relations Board office in Buffalo.
The lawsuit argues that these actions violate laws requiring at least 60 days' notice before implementing Reductions in Force (RIF). Such notices allow states time to prepare necessary resources like job training programs and unemployment processing support.
Attorney General James seeks a court order halting further layoffs without proper notice and reinstating all workers fired since January 20, 2025.
Congressman Dan Goldman remarked on the situation: “Federal employees are the backbone of our nation's operations... I applaud New York Attorney General James and the 16 other attorneys general for their bold and decisive action.”
Congressman Tim Kennedy added his support: “No one is above the law... I stand by Attorney General James as we come together to combat the Trump Administration’s reckless mass firings.”
Congressman John W. Mannion emphasized worker rights: “Workers have rights in the United States... Trump and Musk’s efforts to illegally erase a century of hard-fought workplace protections must be stopped.”
Additional support came from Congressman Joe Morelle: “It’s shameful. I’m proud to support Attorney General James in her efforts.”
Congressman Jerrold Nadler expressed concern over potential long-term impacts: “If left unchallenged, these firings will undermine the very programs that working families... depend on every day.”
The lawsuit involves attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Wisconsin and Washington D.C.