Federal Judge Halts Layoffs Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Thu Oct 16 2025 04:41:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A federal judge in San Francisco mandated that the Trump administration must immediately cease all worker layoffs as the government shutdown progresses, citing potential harm to federal workers and questioning the administration's decision-making process.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston has issued an emergency order to stop the Trump administration from laying off federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown, which has entered its third week. The ruling responds to layoff notices aimed at decreasing government size and exerting pressure on Democrats. Illston criticized the administration's approach, emphasizing the need for consideration of human costs. The order comes as Congress continues to address healthcare negotiations amid predictions that the shutdown could become the longest in U.S. history.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration must halt any firing of federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown, according to a federal judge in San Francisco. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued this emergency order, responding to the issuance of layoff notices last Friday aimed at reducing the federal workforce.

These layoffs are part of an agenda by Trump’s Republican administration to increase pressure on Democratic lawmakers as the shutdown, which began on October 1, extends into its third week.

Judge Illston criticized the administration, stating, “It’s very much ready, fire, aim on most of these programs, and it has a human cost,” asserting that such consequences can no longer be tolerated.

The American Federation of Government Employees along with other federal labor unions requested this restraining order, claiming that the layoffs were an illegitimate maneuver intended to intimidate workers and influence Congress.

As negotiations continue, Democratic lawmakers insist that any solution to reopen the government must include provisions addressing their healthcare demands, while Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson declared that he would not negotiate until these demands are paused and the government is reopened.

With the shutdown now entering its third week, trends indicate that it might become the longest in U.S. history.

The administration plans to terminate over 4,100 employees across various agencies, even as it continues to fund military salaries and implement its immigration policies. They have also seen layoffs in sectors like education and health. Trump has remarked that many programs favored by Democrats might not return, further complicating resolution efforts.

The unions argue that these layoffs represent an illegal political tactic, leveraging job insecurity against workers during the budget crisis. Conversely, the government contends that employment decisions fall outside the jurisdiction of district courts, raising ongoing legal challenges.