Judge Blocks Trump Federal Layoffs, Musk Department Involved

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order for sweeping layoffs and restructuring across the federal government, stating that such changes require congressional approval. The 14-day injunction, prompted by lawsuits from unions, non-profits, and local governments, halts planned reductions-in-force and office closures across more than 20 federal agencies, including the State, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs departments. Plaintiffs argued the administration’s actions were unlawful and disrupted essential government services. The Trump administration, collaborating with the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, insisted it was acting within executive authority, but the court disagreed. Judge Illston emphasized the necessity for presidential actions to comply with legal processes and congressional cooperation. A hearing later in May will determine whether to extend the injunction, with this ruling marking a significant check on executive power.