Despite receiving strong performance reviews, many federal workers were recently dismissed as part of the Trump administration’s effort to cut government staff. The firings targeted probationary employees across multiple agencies, some of whom had received promotions, bonuses, and commendations shortly before being let go. Legal experts warn that citing performance as a reason could expose the administration to legal challenges, and labor groups have already sued, arguing the dismissals exceeded federal authority. Many affected employees plan to appeal their terminations.
See "Federal workers were fired 'for performance.' Their records say otherwise", Leah Douglas, Nathan Layne and Tim Reid, Reuters, February 20, 2025