Federal judge reinstates fired employees in Rhode Island

A federal judge has ordered the reinstatement of federal employees in Rhode Island and other states who were fired during the Trump administration's workforce cuts. The ruling affects 18 federal agencies and requires them to stop mass layoffs and reinstate employees by Monday. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, part of a coalition of 19 states, argued that the firings were illegal and violated federal laws requiring advance notice for large layoffs. The lawsuit claims the firings caused significant harm to affected states. Some employees, however, have already found new jobs and do not plan to return. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the administration's approach to restructuring the federal workforce without following legal protocols.