Temporary injunction issued by judge against mass dismissals mandated by Donald Trump
A California district judge puts the brakes on federal mass firings
In a surprising turn of events, Judge Susan Illston has forced a temporary halt on several federal agencies from executing mass terminations of employees, which President Donald Trump had ordered back in February 2025.
This two-week pause was announced on a Friday, with Illston stating in her order that such actions would likely necessitate Congressional approval.
"The President likely needs the cooperation of Congress to implement the changes he desires, hence, a temporary restraining order is issued to stop widespread staff cuts during this period," Illston wrote in her order.
Ever since his return to the White House in January, Trump has been adamant about reducing the federal workforce. This pursuit stems from directives issued by the Presidential Commission on Government Efficiency (PCE), spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk, aimed at transforming the federal administration.
Federal agencies were previously instructed by Trump, via an executive order on February 11, 2025, to prepare plans for substantial staff reductions. Trump advocated for a "crucial transformation of the federal bureaucracy," demanding that non-essential employees be terminated.
Last week, a coalition of unions, non-profit organizations, six cities, and counties filed a lawsuit against Trump, PCE, and federal agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The coalition argued that these agencies had overstepped their bounds by implementing mass terminations without obtaining prior Congressional approval.
In a joint press release, the plaintiffs, led by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), celebrated the temporary freeze imposed by Judge Illston, stating, "The Trump administration's illegal reorganization attempt has sent federal agencies into chaos, disrupting vital services across our nation."
So far in 2025, Trump has aggressively pursued numerous government employee dismissals and program cuts. Targeted actions involve the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), diversity initiatives within the government, and various other offices.
Judges have previously obstructed or delayed these initiatives, particularly in areas concerning immigration and public spending reductions.
- The temporary halt on federal mass terminations, ordered by Judge Susan Illston, could potentially require Congressional approval, according to her Friday order.
- The coalition of unions, cities, and counties, led by the American Federation of Government Employees, has argued that the federal agencies have overstepped their bounds by implementing mass terminations without obtaining prior Congressional approval.
- President Donald Trump's pursuit of reducing the federal workforce stems from directives issued by the Presidential Commission on Government Efficiency, which is headed by billionaire Elon Musk, and is aimed at transforming the federal administration.
- The President's immigration policy-and-legislation, as well as his efforts to reduce public spending, have been met with judicial objections or delays in the past.
