A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily halted the Trump administration from carrying out mass layoffs and reorganizations in several U.S. government agencies. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by federal worker unions, local governments, and public-interest groups who rely on federal services.
The ruling was issued by Senior District Judge Susan Illston, who said the administration likely acted outside the law with its Agency RIF and Reorganization Plans (ARRPs).
What Did the Judge Decide?
Judge Illston granted a two-week restraining order on Friday, May 10, 2025, blocking the implementation of any plans to:
- Mass fire federal workers
- Eliminate agency departments or offices
- Restructure agencies without Congressional approval
She also paused all actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which had been leading the effort under Trump’s February 11 executive order.
What Is DOGE?
The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, is a controversial office reportedly led by Elon Musk, working under Trump’s orders to reduce federal spending and staff.
Unions argued in court that DOGE had been operating in secrecy, hiding plans from the public, employees, and even Congress.
Why Was the Order Issued?
In her 42-page decision, Judge Illston said:
“No statute gives OPM, OMB, or DOGE the authority to direct other federal agencies to engage in large-scale terminations, restructuring, or elimination of itself.”
She added that these plans were likely based on “illegal directives” and needed to be stopped before they caused irreversible harm.
Which Agencies Were Affected?
The restraining order blocks cuts at over a dozen federal departments, including:
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Energy
- Department of Labor
- Department of Treasury
- Department of State
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
These departments were reportedly preparing to fire thousands of workers and shut down entire branches.
What Happens Next?
Judge Illston has ordered the government to:
- Submit the reorganization and layoff plans by Tuesday
- Explain how it will comply with her order
The case may soon go to the U.S. Supreme Court, as the Justice Department has indicated its intent to appeal. However, the judge denied a request to speed up the appeal process.
Lawyers React
Skye Perryman, head of Democracy Forward, one of the organizations representing the challengers, said:
“We are gratified by the court’s decision today to pause these harmful actions while our case proceeds.”
On the other side, DOJ attorney Eric Hamilton argued that the lawsuit had procedural flaws and claimed that the reduction plans were part of an internal process, not something courts should review. But the judge rejected that claim.