US appeals court keeps block on Trump administration’s federal workforce cuts

The decision ensures that the order issued by US District Judge Susan Illston remains in effect, pausing the cuts for now.

By: Express Web Desk
May 31, 2025 02:09 PM IST

3 min read

In her ruling, Judge Illston made clear that while presidents have authority to direct agency reforms, major structural changes require legislative involvement. (Wikimedia Commons photo/ Representational)

A US federal appeals court on Friday declined to freeze a lower court ruling that has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to shrink the federal workforce. The decision ensures that the order issued by US District Judge Susan Illston remains in effect, pausing the cuts for now.

President Donald Trump’s administration had asked the court for an emergency stay of Judge Illston’s injunction, which was issued in a lawsuit filed by labor unions and cities including San Francisco and Chicago. The case challenges the administration’s move to significantly reduce federal staffing levels.

The downsizing effort stems from an executive order signed by President Trump in February, followed by a directive from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

The judge’s order blocks federal agencies from implementing those directives.

Judge: Presidents need Congress for overhauls

In her ruling, Judge Illston — appointed by former President Bill Clinton — made clear that while presidents have authority to direct agency reforms, major structural changes require legislative involvement and the cooperation of Congress.

Also Read: | Elon Musk checks out after taking the chainsaw to US government: why it was just a matter of time

Government lawyers argued that the executive order and DOGE memo were meant to offer general guidance, not binding rules. But the court noted that these directives had already resulted in significant staff reductions and disruptions.

Thousands resign

Though the administration has not provided an exact figure, at least 75,000 federal employees have reportedly opted for deferred resignation under the new plan. Thousands more—particularly those in probationary roles—have already been terminated or placed on administrative leave.

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Trump’s deferred resignation program: The administration offered federal employees in January, a buyout equal to eight months’ salary to voluntarily resign by early February. It aimed to reduce the federal workforce and save up to $100 billion. Certain critical groups, including postal workers and military personnel, were excluded.
Mass resignations from Elon Musk’s Efficiency Department: Over 20 civil servants quit in mass from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), protesting the use of their skills to dismantle public services and criticising the political agenda behind the downsizing.

DOGE, led by billionaire Elon Musk, was established by Trump to carry out what he has described as a voter-backed mandate to remake the federal government. Trump has repeatedly defended the initiative, saying it reflects the will of the American people. He appointed Musk earlier this year to lead DOGE, citing his reputation for streamlining operations and reducing inefficiencies.

(With inputs from AP)

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