US judge temporarily blocks Trump plan to fire thousands of gov’t workers
Key Takeaways
- A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan to execute mass layoffs of government workers during a partial government shutdown.
- The judge, Susan Illston, cited evidence suggesting the layoffs were politically motivated, referencing statements by President Trump targeting 'Democrat agencies'.
- The ruling was granted based on a request from two unions arguing that the job cuts were illegal and not an essential service during a funding lapse.
- The government shutdown is ongoing, fueled by a dispute where Democrats demand extensions for healthcare subsidies and reversal of Medicaid cuts.
- The administration has already issued layoff notices to about 4,100 workers across eight agencies while continuing to pay the military.
A federal judge in San Francisco, Susan Illston, issued a temporary block on the Trump administration's plan to conduct mass layoffs of government workers amidst a partial government shutdown that had entered its 15th day. The ruling came after two unions requested an injunction, claiming the job cuts were unlawful, a stance the judge appeared to support by citing statements from Trump and Budget Director Russell Vought indicating explicit political motivations, such as targeting 'Democrat agencies.' Judge Illston stated that such actions are not permissible in a 'nation of laws' and criticized the administration for an 'ready, fire, aim' approach with significant human cost. The layoffs, which have already seen about 4,100 workers notified across eight agencies, are seen by the administration as pressure tactics against Democrats over healthcare demands necessary to end the shutdown. The administration has been prioritizing pay for the military and immigration enforcement while slashing jobs in areas like health and education, which Trump suggested would not return.
