Sat May 10 22:50:54 UTC 2025: ## Federal Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Mass Federal Layoffs

**San Francisco, CA –** A California judge issued a temporary restraining order on Friday, halting the Trump administration’s widespread reduction of the federal workforce. Judge Susan Illston ruled that President Trump likely needs Congressional approval for such sweeping changes, citing the Constitution. The order, which lasts 14 days, affects numerous federal agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Labor, Interior, State, Treasury, and Veteran Affairs, as well as the National Science Foundation, Small Business Administration, Social Security Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency.

The lawsuit, filed by labor unions, cities (including San Francisco, Chicago, and Baltimore), and non-profit groups, alleges that the administration’s actions, implemented through executive order and subsequent memos, are unlawful. Plaintiffs presented evidence of significant negative consequences, including the potential loss of nearly all staff at a key mineworker health research office, delays in disaster aid to farmers, and increased wait times for Social Security recipients.

The administration argued that the executive order provided only general principles and invited further legislative engagement. However, the judge disagreed, stating that the President must act within the confines of the law and with Congressional cooperation.

Tens of thousands of federal workers have already been affected by the downsizing, including those fired, placed on leave, or who participated in deferred resignation programs. While the exact number remains unclear, at least 75,000 employees utilized deferred resignation programs.

The temporary restraining order does not require the rehiring of dismissed employees but does prevent further layoffs and implementation of the executive order within the affected agencies until further legal proceedings. This is one of several legal challenges against the President’s efforts to shrink the federal government, with a previous court order regarding the firing of probationary workers currently under appeal.

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