Judge Halts Trump-Era CFPB Layoffs Pending Hearing

A federal judge, Amy Berman Jackson, has temporarily halted the Trump administration's plan to lay off nearly 90% of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) workforce, pausing the termination of around 1,500 employees. Judge Jackson cited concerns that the reduction in force may violate a prior injunction and scheduled an evidentiary hearing for April 28 to review the legality of the layoffs. The administration, led by acting director Russell Vought and officials from the Department of Government Efficiency, argues it followed court guidelines, while employees and their union allege the process was rushed and abusive. The judge's order also prevents the administration from cutting employees' access to work systems during the review. The layoffs, if carried out, would drastically reduce the bureau's enforcement and consumer protection roles. The CFPB's future remains uncertain as legal proceedings continue.