US Judge Rejects Union Appeal To Block Trump’s Federal Worker Layoffs Amid Mass IRS Firings

A US District Court judge has rejected a union’s urgent appeal to stop the termination of thousands of probationary federal employees, granting President Donald Trump another legal victory in his plan to downsize the government workforce.

District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on Thursday that his court lacked jurisdiction over the union’s request, advising that such cases should be handled by the Federal Labor Relations Authority. This ruling arrives as approximately 6,700 IRS employees—all on probation—face immediate dismissal, intensifying concerns just weeks before the critical April 15 tax filing deadline.

An anonymous former IRS officer, laid off during this sweep, revealed how employees were blindsided, receiving emails to report to the office with their IDs and laptops. “This has completely upended our lives,” she shared, highlighting the lack of severance and looming financial challenges like mortgage payments and health insurance coverage.

IRS Enforcement Teams Hit Hard Before Tax Season

The majority of affected workers came from the IRS enforcement division, responsible for ensuring tax compliance among corporations and high-net-worth individuals. Critics warn that the layoffs could hinder the agency’s capacity during peak tax season, shifting the burden onto remaining staff.

A probationary IRS worker, who requested anonymity, explained how even mid-level managers were unaware of the impending cuts. “It was a complete shock,” he said, blaming the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—an entity spearheaded by Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter.

DOGE has been central to Trump’s aggressive cost-cutting efforts, leading to widespread government downsizing. Yet, insiders claim that the department intentionally masked its involvement, making it appear as if agencies themselves initiated the layoffs.

Legal Pushback and Mixed Rulings

Despite legal challenges, union efforts to pause the terminations have so far failed. A separate federal judge also denied an emergency request from 14 Democratic-led states contesting DOGE’s authority, marking another blow to opponents of the layoffs.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s voluntary buyout program—aimed at reducing government size—enticed over 75,000 federal employees to resign in exchange for severance, though many workers now feel trapped between bad options.

“This whole process feels unnecessarily cruel,” a dismissed IRS revenue agent commented, expressing frustration over the government’s approach to cutting costs at the expense of middle-class workers.

What This Means for Federal Workers

These mass firings have sparked heated debates about worker rights, government efficiency, and the upcoming tax season. As unions continue to push for legal interventions, thousands of affected employees face uncertain futures without severance or immediate job prospects.

For the latest on federal employment changes and union responses, visit Reuters for comprehensive coverage.