Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Mass Layoffs in Government Overhaul

A U.S. judge has extended a block on President Donald Trump’s plan to lay off hundreds of thousands of federal workers, dealing a blow to his administration’s sweeping government overhaul, Arab News reported.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston barred agencies from mass layoffs, a key part of Trump’s push to downsize or eliminate federal departments. The ruling stems from lawsuits by unions, nonprofits, and municipalities arguing the plan required congressional approval.

The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to intervene, claiming the judge overstepped presidential authority. Meanwhile, agencies had already begun cuts, with 260,000 workers expected to depart by September—many through buyouts.

Trump’s order sought to eliminate redundant roles, reduce contractors, and automate tasks, targeting agencies like Veterans Affairs (80,000+ jobs at risk) and Health and Human Services (10,000+ cuts).

Illston’s decision follows her earlier two-week freeze on layoffs and reinstates affected workers. Legal battles continue, including a separate appeals court pause on rehiring 25,000 probationary employees.