A federal judge in California, Susan Illston, has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plans for workforce reductions and reorganizations across 21 federal departments and agencies, marking a major setback for the administration’s downsizing efforts. Illston stated that while the President has the authority to seek changes in executive agencies, he must do so lawfully and with the cooperation of Congress, particularly for large-scale reorganizations. She emphasized that past presidents have sought such cooperation and indicated that the Trump administration likely needs to request it similarly.
The temporary restraining order, effective for two weeks, halts the “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative aimed at these reductions. Illston criticized agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for lacking the statutory authority to mandate significant workforce changes or restructuring. Despite the Trump administration having implemented numerous federal employee reductions since January, the exact affected employee numbers were not disclosed.
The judge’s ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed in late April, which the administration argued was untimely due to the Executive Order being issued months earlier. However, Illston refuted this claim, stating that the plaintiffs had acted reasonably in assessing the potential harm from the proposed changes.
A coalition of non-profits, unions, and local governments expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, arguing that the administration’s chaotic attempts at reorganization jeopardized vital government services and negatively impacted communities reliant on an efficient federal government. Further hearings on the case are scheduled for May 22, and the White House has yet to comment on the ruling.
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