A federal judge has extended an injunction preventing the Trump administration from proceeding with large-scale layoffs across 22 federal agencies. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, halts the implementation of Executive Order 14210, which aimed to reduce the federal workforce significantly.
Executive Order 14210
Signed in February 2025, Executive Order 14210 directed federal agencies to develop plans for substantial reductions in force. The Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget subsequently instructed agencies to submit detailed layoff plans in two phases, with deadlines in March and April.
The administration’s initiative led to the termination of at least 24,000 federal employees, with projections indicating potential impacts on up to 260,000 positions.
Legal Challenge and Court’s Rationale
The American Federation of Government Employees, along with other unions and local governments, filed a lawsuit challenging the executive order. Judge Illston’s ruling emphasized that such sweeping changes to the federal workforce likely require Congressional approval. She stated that the executive branch cannot unilaterally override statutory mandates governing federal employment.
Furthermore, the judge ordered that employees placed on administrative leave due to the policy be reinstated to their prior statuses, reinforcing legal checks on executive power.
Administration’s Response and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The Trump administration has appealed Judge Illston’s decision to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and may seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court. Officials argue that the president possesses the authority to direct agency personnel actions and that the layoffs are necessary to reduce government waste.
As the legal process continues, the injunction remains in effect, preventing further layoffs under the executive order.
Implications for Federal Agencies and Services
The blocked layoffs would have affected major departments, including Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Labor, and the Social Security Administration. Critics of the administration’s plan argue that the reductions could have disrupted essential services and weakened the federal government’s capacity to fulfill its mandates.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of maintaining the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress, particularly concerning significant changes to federal operations.
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