A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. government must reverse mass firings of probationary federal employees, stating that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) lacked the authority to direct these terminations.

The ruling comes amid multiple legal challenges faced by President Trump since he resumed power in January 2025, including blocked efforts to suspend refugee admissions and challenge birthright citizenship.

In a related move, the Trump administration has removed online application forms for popular student debt repayment plans, causing confusion and complications for borrowers.

Additionally, Trump has revoked Chevron's ability to operate in Venezuela, citing the Maduro regime's non-compliance with electoral agreements.

In response to ongoing drug trafficking issues, Trump announced that tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada will take effect soon, alongside a tariff increase on Chinese products.

Amid these changes, Tom Shultz has been appointed as the new head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, succeeding Randy Moore.

Protests have erupted at Barnard University, where students demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine, reflecting broader tensions surrounding activism on campus.

Concerns have also been raised by five former defense secretaries regarding the potential politicization of the military following recent firings of military leaders.

This decision affects approximately 200,000 probationary workers across various roles, including about 15,000 in California, who serve in critical areas such as fire prevention and veterans' care.

Despite ongoing legal challenges and public outcry, the White House remains determined to proceed with a significant workforce overhaul.

President Trump has defended the layoffs as necessary to reduce what he describes as a 'bloated' and 'sloppy' government.

To facilitate government restructuring, Trump has formed a committee named DOGE, which operates closely with the White House and is involved in implementing mass layoffs.