Washington, D.C. — A federal judge has temporarily blocked the implementation of mass layoffs across federal agencies as directed by President Donald Trump, citing concerns over constitutional oversight.
The decision was handed down by Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court in California, who issued a two-week restraining order on Friday, following legal challenges from a coalition of labor unions, advocacy groups, and local governments.
In her ruling, Judge Illston stressed the need for Congressional involvement in any move to significantly reduce the federal workforce. “The Court finds it likely that Congressional authorization is required before enacting such sweeping changes,” she wrote.
The layoffs were part of a broader downsizing initiative spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, following President Trump’s executive order of February 11. The directive sought to implement a “critical transformation of the Federal bureaucracy” by removing non-essential personnel.
Opponents of the move argue that the administration exceeded its constitutional authority, bypassing legislative checks in the execution of large-scale workforce reductions. The legal challenge also targets the Office of Management and Budget and other federal agencies involved.
The case is expected to return to court later this month as deliberations continue on the future of the proposed layoffs.
By Adeola Olaniya| 10 May, 2025
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