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Coalition Files Lawsuit Challenging Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco, alleges the cuts violate constitutional separation of powers and jeopardize essential public services.

Demonstrators protest mass firings at USAID on Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington D. C. San Francisco and Santa Clara filed suit against the Trump administration Monday, arguing sweepings firings surpass the president's authority.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and County Attorney Christian D. Menefee hold a conference on April 29, 2025 to announce the county's involvement in a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the firings of federal workers. 
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: Workers and supporters protest against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in front of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on February 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers and supporters protested outside ahead of a scheduled meeting between members of Elon Musk’s DOGE staff and DOL management. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Overview

  • A coalition of over two dozen unions, cities, counties, and nonprofits filed a federal lawsuit on April 28, claiming President Trump’s executive order on federal workforce cuts exceeds his constitutional authority.
  • The lawsuit targets the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which has overseen mass layoffs and reorganization plans across federal agencies since February.
  • Plaintiffs argue that the cuts endanger critical services, including Social Security, emergency management, environmental protection, and public health programs, especially in regions like Harris County, Texas, ahead of hurricane season.
  • The Trump administration defends the cuts as necessary to eliminate government waste, with DOGE projecting $150 billion in savings this year, though far short of its initial $1 trillion target.
  • The Supreme Court recently blocked a lower court’s order to rehire 16,000 probationary employees, while the new lawsuit seeks to halt further layoffs and reverse unconstitutional workforce reductions.