Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration’s Government Cost-Cutting Measures
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A U.S. judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from implementing widespread layoffs and budget cuts at over a dozen government agencies, part of a large federal cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The judge agreed with the plaintiffs, a group of federal employee unions, that the Trump administration’s actions likely exceed its legal authority and that President Trump would likely need congressional approval. The order will remain in effect for at least 14 days while the case is considered and covers the Department of Government Efficiency and 20 other federal agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget, the Social Security Administration, and the departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Veterans Affairs.
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Trump Administration’s Federal Cost-Cutting Drive Halted by Judge
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston temporarily halted the Trump administration’s drastic federal cost-cutting procedures last Friday. This includes reductions and layoffs at over a dozen government agencies, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The decision was a result of a lawsuit by federal employee unions. Illston ruled that Trump’s attempts to restructure and downsize the federal government likely overstep his legal authority. The judge cited that large-scale changes need Congressional approval.
Illston’s executive order halt stops federal agencies from progressing with large-scale job cuts ordered in February. No further actions, such as staff layoffs or administrative leave for compliance with Trump’s order, can take place. Furthermore, DOGE is restricted from giving agencies orders to cut programs or staff for at least 14 days while the case is assessed.
The injunction affects DOGE and 20 federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration and Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, Veterans Affairs, and others.
The Trump administration’s federal workforce downsizing and government restructuring efforts, led by Musk’s DOGE team, have caused controversy. The administration states its intent is to cut bureaucratic excess and save taxpayer money. However, federal unions and Democratic lawmakers see these moves as unlawful and unsettling to public services.
The administration has already laid off or offered buyouts to thousands of probationary workers. Plans for deeper cuts are in effect at certain agencies.
The lawsuit that resulted in Friday’s restraining order accuses the President of unconstitutional dismantling of the federal government. It argues that Mr. Trump doesn’t have the power to drastically cut federal agencies without Congress’ authorization.
In response, the Trump administration disputes these charges, stating federal agencies have engaged in workforce reductions for centuries. However, Judge Illston asserts the plaintiffs have evidence that agencies’ cuts were not mere guidance, but direct orders from the Trump administration.
This federal cost-cutting tug of war has spurred other lawsuits, with a March case ordering rehiring of thousands of probationary workers, which was later paused by the Supreme Court.
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