A federal judge in California, Susan Illston, has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plans for significant reductions and reorganization within 21 federal departments and agencies. This decision follows concerns over the legality of these large-scale changes, emphasizing the need for cooperation from Congress, as established by precedent with previous administrations.
Judge Illston’s ruling came after she noted that while the President can seek changes, any major reorganization must adhere to lawful processes and likely requires Congressional collaboration. The temporary restraining order halts the “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative, affecting several departments, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Illston expressed doubt about the statutory authority of OPM, OMB, and the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to enforce large-scale employee terminations or restructuring. Thousands of federal employees have already faced reductions since the beginning of Trump’s presidency, although the administration has not disclosed specific numbers.
The Trump administration contended that the lawsuit filed on April 28 was untimely due to the Executive Order being issued three months prior. Illston, however, disagreed, stating that the plaintiffs had justifiably waited to gather information about potential harm before bringing the case forward.
A coalition of non-profits, unions, and local governments highlighted the disruption caused by the administration’s reorganization attempts, asserting that hasty layoffs and restructuring undermine governmental efficiency and services. The court will reconvene to discuss the matter further on May 22. The White House has yet to comment on the ruling.
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