A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from carrying out mass layoffs of federal employees amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued the ruling after several federal employee unions argued that the planned terminations were politically motivated and violated federal labor law.
The Office of Management and Budget had previously ordered agencies to prepare Reduction in Force notices for selected employees before the shutdown began. These notices would have allowed agencies to lay off staff quickly if the government remained unfunded.
President Trump had publicly stated that “significant” firings would occur during the shutdown if Congress failed to reach a budget agreement. His comments drew immediate criticism from unions and legal experts.
Judge Illston ruled that the layoffs could not proceed, citing statements from the president and OMB Director Russ Vought that suggested the terminations were politically motivated rather than strictly administrative, per Newsweek.
The judge’s decision halts job cuts at more than 30 federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, and several smaller offices.
Federal employee unions hailed the ruling as a victory for workers, arguing that civil servants should not face termination for political reasons or as a tool of leverage during budget negotiations.
The administration argued that the layoffs were routine measures necessary to comply with budget restrictions during a funding lapse. OMB officials said the workforce reductions were standard practice under previous shutdowns.
Judge Illston rejected that argument, stating that evidence showed the administration had targeted employees in a manner inconsistent with standard procedures. She warned that the government could not use the shutdown to punish employees for political purposes.
The ruling is temporary and will remain in effect while litigation continues. The case could set a legal precedent regarding the limits of presidential authority to reduce federal staff during funding gaps.
Unions emphasized that the decision protects the integrity of the civil service and prevents the politicization of federal employment. They warned that allowing politically motivated layoffs would undermine morale and public trust in government agencies.
President Trump has defended the layoffs as necessary to reduce government spending and eliminate nonessential positions. He argued that employees who do not perform essential duties during a shutdown should face consequences.
Legal experts say the case could influence future shutdowns, including how the executive branch manages furloughs and terminations. The court’s decision may limit the administration’s ability to impose staffing changes without judicial review.
The administration has indicated it is reviewing the ruling and may appeal. Officials reiterated that the President remains committed to implementing workforce adjustments once the legal process permits.
Judge Illston’s decision represents a significant setback for the administration and highlights ongoing tension between the executive branch and federal employees during politically charged shutdowns. It also underscores the role of courts in checking executive power.
