In a recent development, a California judge, Susan Illston, has ordered the Trump administration to halt its significant downsizing of the federal workforce. This emergency order comes in response to a lawsuit filed by labor unions and cities, challenging President Trump’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal government, which he views as excessive and costly.

Judge Illston’s temporary restraining order directs various federal agencies to pause the implementation of the workforce executive order signed by the President in February, as well as a subsequent memo issued by the Department of Government Efficiency and the Office of Personnel Management. Although the order does not mandate departments to rehire individuals, it does require them to postpone the effective date of any agency action related to downsizing efforts.

The lawsuit focuses on departments where dismantlement is already underway or planned, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which announced intentions to lay off 10,000 workers and centralize divisions. Judge Illston emphasized that while the President has the authority to seek changes within executive branch departments, he must do so in accordance with lawful processes and with Congressional cooperation.

The impact of the downsizing is evident, with tens of thousands of federal workers being terminated, resigning through programs, or placed on leave. This has led to challenges in various sectors, including delays in critical inspections and services. The temporary restraining order applies to several government departments and agencies, including Agriculture, Energy, Labor, State, and Veterans Affairs, among others.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include labor unions, cities like San Francisco and Chicago, and nonprofit organizations advocating for various causes. The legal battle underscores the ongoing debate over the extent and methods of restructuring the federal workforce.