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Judge Blocks Trump Layoffs Amid Shutdown
A U.S. federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order that bars the Trump administration from proceeding with layoffs of thousands of federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown.
Judge’s reasoning
Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court in San Francisco found that the planned job cuts “appear politically motivated” and lack proper justification. She said the firings could be illegal and exceed executive authority.
Scope of the order
The order halts termination notices already issued to more than 4,100 federal employees. Additional layoffs projected by the administration—possibly exceeding 10,000—are also frozen.
Criticism of approach
During the hearing, Judge Illston pressed government attorneys for logical justification. She criticized the administration’s approach, describing it as “fire, aim,” and highlighted the human cost of mass layoffs.
Political and legal backdrop
The shutdown began on October 1, 2025. The Trump administration has used layoffs as leverage in negotiations with Congress. Labor unions and Democrats had challenged the decision as unlawful.
A further hearing will determine whether a longer-term injunction should remain in place while the courts fully review the case.
