Overview

• On June 2, the Justice Department filed an emergency petition asking the Supreme Court to lift U.S. District Judge Susan Illston’s injunction that halted large‐scale reductions in force and agency reorganizations across more than two dozen federal departments.
• Judge Illston issued the injunction after ruling in May that President Trump likely exceeded his authority by ordering mass staffing cuts without explicit congressional authorization, and a 2-1 Ninth Circuit panel upheld that decision on May 30.
• In the filing, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argues that Article II of the Constitution grants the president broad power over executive branch personnel and labels the injunction’s premise—that Congress must approve the cuts—“indefensible.”
• A coalition of unions, nonprofits and local governments warns that proposed layoffs could undermine disaster relief programs, public health services and food safety inspections if the injunction is not lifted.
• The Supreme Court has set a June 9 deadline for challengers to file their responses as justices consider whether to stay the lower-court order and allow the administration’s downsizing plans to proceed.