Federal Judge Blocks Trump Mass Layoffs Across Agencies

Federal Judge Susan Illston has issued and extended a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump's executive order that mandated mass layoffs and reorganization across multiple federal agencies, ruling that such actions require Congressional approval. Illston emphasized that the executive branch overstepped its constitutional authority by attempting a large-scale restructuring without legislative consent, a decision supported by various lawsuits from unions and nonprofit groups. The Trump administration has appealed this ruling to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, continuing legal battles over plans that could lead to the exit of approximately 260,000 federal workers. Separate injunctions, including one by Judge Myong Joun, have also halted layoffs in specific departments such as Education. Critics argue that Trump's downsizing efforts threaten vital public services, while the administration contends it has the authority to reduce bureaucratic waste. The ongoing litigation underscores tensions over executive power and the balance between the presidency and Congress in managing the federal workforce.