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5d ago

Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration's Workforce Reductions

Judge Susan Illston ruled that large-scale layoffs and agency restructuring require Congressional approval, pausing actions at 21 federal agencies for 14 days.

People attend a rally in support of federal workers outside the 26 Federal Plaza, a federal office building in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
People hold signs as they gather for a "Save the Civil Service" rally hosted by a federal employee union outside the US Capitol on February 11 in Washington, DC.
Demonstrators gather outside of the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C. on February 7, 2025 to protest federal layoffs and demand the termination of Elon Musk from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). A federal judge on May 9. 2025 called for a two-week pause in the Trump administration’s mass layoff plans.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued a temporary restraining order halting mass layoffs and reorganizations across 21 federal agencies for two weeks.
  • The ruling challenges the Trump administration's February executive order directing workforce reductions and restructuring plans led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
  • Illston stated that the president likely needs Congressional cooperation for such large-scale changes, as DOGE, OPM, and OMB lack statutory authority for these actions.
  • The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of unions, cities, and nonprofits, alleging the administration's actions exceeded legal authority and disrupted critical federal services.
  • A hearing on a preliminary injunction is scheduled for May 22, with the court indicating plaintiffs are likely to succeed on some claims.