Federal Judge Halts Trump Administration Mass Layoffs Across 20 Agencies

A federal judge in San Francisco, Susan Illston, has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's large-scale federal workforce reductions, citing constitutional concerns over the executive branch exceeding its authority without Congressional approval. The 14-day injunction halts layoffs and restructuring efforts across numerous federal agencies, including Health and Human Services, Energy, and others, which collectively planned to cut tens of thousands of jobs. The order responds to a coalition of municipalities, unions, and nonprofit groups who argued that the executive order signed in February granting Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency broad powers to downsize the government violated the constitutional separation of powers. Judge Illston emphasized that while the president can seek changes in federal agencies, such actions must be done lawfully and with Congress's cooperation. The ruling provides temporary relief to federal workers facing job insecurity and signals potential increased judicial scrutiny over the limits of presidential power in federal employment decisions. This development highlights ongoing tensions between government cost-cutting initiatives and constitutional checks and balances, with further legal challenges anticipated.