US Judge Extends Block on Trump Administration Federal Mass Layoffs

A federal judge, Susan Illston, has extended a temporary block on President Donald Trump's plan to lay off thousands of federal employees, ruling that the administration needs Congressional approval before proceeding with mass layoffs. The injunction covers dozens of federal agencies and protects tens of thousands of workers from imminent job cuts, while also barring office closures and program relocations linked to the restructuring. Judge Illston indicated that the administration's efforts likely violate the Constitution by usurping Congress's legislative powers, and she is inclined to issue a longer-term injunction to maintain the status quo during ongoing litigation. The Trump administration has argued that agencies have broad authority to implement layoffs and that Trump’s executive order only called for planning, not immediate action, but multiple lawsuits challenge specific decisions within various departments. The judge emphasized that past government reorganizations followed laws set by Congress, which the current administration's actions have disregarded. This judicial pushback represents a significant obstacle to the administration’s unprecedented federal workforce overhaul.