A federal judge in California has issued an order preventing the Trump administration from laying off federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, appointed during the Clinton administration, granted a preliminary injunction Tuesday that bars the administration from proceeding with planned “reductions in force” (RIFs) while a legal challenge moves through the courts. The decision expands a temporary restraining order she issued earlier this month.
The shutdown began on October 1 after Congress failed to pass government funding legislation. With no agreement yet reached, layoffs of federal employees had begun earlier in October, according to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, who wrote on social media that the RIFs were underway.
The lawsuit challenging the layoffs was filed by several federal employee unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees. Attorney Norm Eisen, who has previously brought cases against Trump administration policies, represents the plaintiffs. The unions argue that the administration does not have legal authority to conduct mass firings tied to a shutdown and claim the move is politically motivated.
In her earlier temporary order, Judge Illston suggested the firings appeared improper. In Tuesday’s ruling, she expanded the block, stating there is a likelihood the firings were unlawful and beyond executive authority.
Congress has held multiple votes to end the shutdown, but no agreement has been reached. As of Tuesday, the shutdown had entered its 28th day with no sign of an imminent resolution.
This story is developing.
