Federal Judges Halt Trump Administration Cuts Across Multiple Agencies

Federal judges have issued multiple rulings blocking key efforts by the Trump administration to drastically downsize and reorganize federal agencies. In San Francisco, Judge Susan Illston temporarily halted large-scale workforce reductions mandated by a February executive order, ruling that such significant changes require Congressional cooperation. Similarly, in Rhode Island, Judge John J. McConnell issued a preliminary injunction preventing the dismantling of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Minority Business Development Agency, and Institute of Museum and Library Services, citing violations of the Administrative Procedures Act and constitutional separation of powers. These rulings emphasize that while the President can direct changes in the executive branch, major reorganizations and agency closures cannot bypass legislative approval. Additionally, a Massachusetts judge blocked the Trump administration from deporting certain migrants to countries like Libya and Saudi Arabia, upholding court orders protecting those individuals. Overall, the judiciary is placing substantial legal constraints on the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size and scope of the federal government.