A federal judge in California ordered the Trump administration Friday to pause mass layoffs of federal workers. Judge Susan Illston issued a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of the president’s February executive order aimed at dramatically shrinking the federal workforce.
Illston, a Bill Clinton appointee, ruled in favor of labor unions and cities like San Francisco and Chicago, stating, “The President likely must request Congressional cooperation” for such sweeping actions. The order halts downsizing across multiple agencies, including HHS, the EPA, and the Social Security Administration.
Plaintiffs cited real-world harm, including 221 of 222 health hazard researchers in Pittsburgh set to be laid off, and a Vermont farmer who missed disaster relief due to inspection delays. The judge emphasized that Congress created these agencies and the president must act within the law.
The Trump administration argues the order was only guidance. However, plaintiffs claim DOGE and OPM overstepped their authority and implemented changes unilaterally.
The order remains in effect for 14 days.
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