OAKLAND — A federal court has temporarily halted the Trump Administration’s mass firing of federal workers nationwide. The decision follows an amicus letter submitted by California Attorney General Rob Bonta adn a coalition of 21 attorneys general in support of a temporary restraining order (TRO) in the case of American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, et al. v. trump.

The TRO, issued Thursday, immediately prevents the Trump Administration from terminating federal employees until the court considers a preliminary injunction on May 22, 2025. This legal action underscores the ongoing battle between state attorneys general and the federal government over workforce management and its impact on state services.

Attorney General Bonta’s Stance

Attorney General Bonta expressed strong sentiments regarding the court’s decision and the Trump Administration’s actions.

The Trump Administration is attempting to bring the federal government — and the vital services and programs Americans rely on — to a screeching halt.

Attorney general Rob Bonta

He further emphasized the meaning of the TRO, stating:

A court has ordered President Trump to end his illegal mass firing rampage pending a ruling on a preliminary injunction. this won’t undo the damage already sown, but it does send a clear message: The President does not hold the power to illegally fire anyone he wants — and as of Friday night, he must stop doing so.

Attorney General Rob Bonta

Impact on State services

The potential consequences of mass federal layoffs extend far beyond the federal workforce. These actions can substantially disrupt the ability of states to protect and serve their residents, posing serious risks to citizens’ health, safety, and lives. State programs focused on emergency planning and response, infrastructure repair, environmental protection, and public health are particularly vulnerable.

Bonta’s Legal Actions Against the Trump Administration

Attorney General Bonta has been a vocal opponent of the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce. His office has initiated several legal challenges to counter these actions.

• This week, Attorney General Bonta filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging the unlawful mass firing of roughly 10,000 full-time U.S.Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees, the consolidation of 28 HHS divisions into 15 divisions, and the closing of half of HHS’s ten regional offices.
• Previously, Bonta filed lawsuits challenging the illegal firing of probationary federal workers and U.S. Department of Education workers.

Other Legal Interventions

Beyond direct lawsuits, Attorney General Bonta has also engaged in amicus briefs to challenge other Trump Administration policies.

• He submitted two amicus briefs in lawsuits challenging the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau (CFPB), including actions such as suspending work across the agency and terminating probationary employees. These actions increase the burden on state agencies to protect consumers.
• Last month, Attorney General Bonta filed an amicus letter in support of a lawsuit challenging operational changes to Social Security Administration (SSA) policies. These changes, including staffing cuts, field office closures, and the illegal shuttering of departments, have hampered SSA’s ability to help older adults and persons with disabilities access the benefits and services they depend on.

A copy of the TRO can be found here.