Five sources with knowledge of the situation claim that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fired probationary employees who had been reinstated after a court ruling on April 9, cleared the way for Trump's administration to dismiss thousands of workers.

According to a court order blocking the firings, workers were fired first on February 27, and reinstated to administrative leave on March 17, during which time they were paid, but were not allowed to work.

John K. Guenther's memo, acting general counsel for the Department of Commerce, was sent to affected employees. (Reporting and editing by Leslie Adler, Chris Reese and Leah Douglas)

(source: Reuters)