Judge Halts Trump’s Attempt to Downsize Federal Government Operations

A federal judge in California issued a temporary injunction on Friday, halting plans for organizational changes and reductions-in-force affecting 21 federal departments and agencies. This ruling represents a significant obstacle for the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce.

Judge Susan Illston stated in her order that while the President has the power to implement changes within executive branch agencies, such actions must be conducted lawfully. She emphasized that significant reorganizations require cooperation from Congress.

“Many presidents have sought this cooperation before; many iterations of Congress have provided it,” she noted, underscoring that the President must request congressional support, as he did during his previous term. This temporary restraining order, which will last for two weeks, puts a pause on the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative, affecting various departments.

The order also addresses memos from the Office of Personnel Management and other related offices. Illston, appointed by President Bill Clinton, remarked that there is no law that empowers the Office of Personnel Management, Office of Management and Budget, or the Department of Government Efficiency to mandate large-scale layoffs or restructurings.

Although the Trump administration has implemented numerous reductions-in-force since taking office, it has not released specific numbers regarding those affected. The agencies now blocked from proceeding include the Department of Government Efficiency, OMB, OPM, and various departments such as Housing and Urban Development and Transportation.

A coalition of non-profits, unions, and local governments expressed relief at the court’s decision, stating that the administration’s abrupt organizational changes have caused chaos and disruption of essential services nationwide. Judge Illston is scheduled to hear further arguments related to this case on May 22.

The White House has not yet commented on the ruling.