Court Halts Trump Administration's Layoff Notices Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Thu Oct 16 2025 05:16:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A federal judge in San Francisco has ruled that the Trump administration must stop issuing layoff notices during the current government shutdown, highlighting the human cost of the political standoff. The decision comes as both parties remain entrenched in negotiations over healthcare demands.

In an emergency ruling, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from proceeding with layoff notices issued to federal workers, describing the administration's approach as hasty and damaging. This decision comes as the government shutdown, now in its third week, continues to exert strain on federal employees and the broader public. The American Federation of Government Employees and other unions claim that the layoffs were politically motivated. Both Democratic and Republican leaders remain far apart on a resolution, raising concerns about the potential for prolonged instability.

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered the Trump administration to cease issuing layoff notices amid the ongoing government shutdown, which has now stretched into its third week. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston deemed the administration's actions as reckless and lacking consideration of the human impact involved.

The decision came after federal agencies began sending out layoff notices aimed at reducing the workforce, part of an aggressive move by the administration to pressure Democratic lawmakers amidst budget negotiations. Judge Illston remarked, 'It’s very much ready, fire, aim on most of these programs, and it has a human cost that cannot be tolerated.'

The ruling was backed by requests from the American Federation of Government Employees and other labor unions who described the layoff notices as a misuse of power designed to intimidate workers and influence Congress.

As the shutdown continues, heated exchanges persist between party leaders. Democrats are urging that any deal to reopen the government must include provisions for healthcare, a demand rejected by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson who has stated he will not negotiate until Democrats relent.

While the Trump administration has maintained military payments and continued its immigration policies, it has proposed significant cuts in areas like health and education. These layoffs primarily impact roles in special education and after-school programs, with Trump asserting that many of these programs favored by Democrats are being targeted.

In a disturbing report, it was disclosed that more than 4,100 federal employees across eight agencies are slated for termination amid the funding lapse, according to an administration court filing.

Labor unions argue this approach to layoffs is fundamentally flawed, asserting that it relies on the erroneous notion that a temporary government shutdown invalidates Congressional authorizations for programs. The legal battle continues, highlighting the complexities and human ramifications of political discord.