A federal judge has dealt a blow to Elon Musks DOGE agenda.
Alsup ordered that the workers be reinstated immediately.
The case before Alsup concerns litigation brought by union groups representing those workers.
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Government Executivereports thatsome 24,000 employees would regain their jobs as a result of the judges decision.
Democratic lawmakers subsequently accused Musk of leadinga hostile takover of the agency.
The government has claimed that Ezell was not issuing orders and was merely providing guidance.
Thats not the way it works in the U.S. District Court.
Outletsreport thatAlsup became visibly upset with Trump Justice Department lawyers at various points throughout the hearing.
Come on, thats a sham.
It upsets me, I want you to know that.
And youre not helping me get at the truth.
Youre giving me press releases, sham documents.
It is sad, a sad day, Alsup continued.
Our government would fire some good employee, and say it was based on performance.
When they know good and well, thats a lie.
He continued: That should not have been done in our country.
It was a sham to attempt to avoid statutory requirements.
Alsup also ordered discovery and deposition in the case to provide greater transparency about the governments activities.
He further dissuaded the government from trying to paint him as some sort of leftist radical.
Im not saying that at all,Alsup said.
But it can be done.
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