A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the Trump administration from laying off thousands of federal workers during the government shutdown, saying it appears to be politically motivated.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, a Clinton appointee based in California, ruled from the bench after an afternoon hearing, saying that the administration isn’t following legal requirements for conducting reductions in force, or RIFs, and that officials have exceeded their authorities. Illston also cited public comments about the shutdown made by President Donald Trump, Vice president JD Vance, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, adding that the layoffs appear to be unlawfully targeted at Democrats.
The judge’s order blocks administration officials from “taking any action” to issue RIF notices to federal workers represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, the country’s largest federal employees’ union.
Justice Department attorneys repeatedly declined Illston’s invitations to offer a legal justification for the Trump administration’s mass layoff plans, saying instead they were only prepared to address certain procedural questions about jurisdiction. The government argued that federal workers are limited to administrative remedies — such as bringing grievances and complaints before the Merit Systems Protection Board or the Federal Labor Relations Authority — and cannot sue based on layoffs.
“You’re not making any statement concerning the government’s position on the merits … whether the RIFS are legal?” Illston asked during the hearing.
“Not today, your honor,” said DOJ attorney Elizabeth Hedges.
The Trump administration has told Illston that officials issued RIF notices or fired more than 4,000 employees during the shutdown, which has now lasted 15 days, and doesn’t seem to be nearing a resolution. The layoffs spanned the Departments of Commerce; Education; Energy; Health and Human Services; Housing and Urban Development; Homeland Security and Treasury.
