US Judge Blocks Trump’s Layoff Plan Amid Government Shutdown

A US federal judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s plan to lay off thousands of government employees during the ongoing federal shutdown, calling the move politically motivated and “inhumane.” The ruling comes as the shutdown enters its third week — with over 4,100 workers facing job losses across eight agencies. Democrats accuse Trump of using layoffs to target social programmes, while Republicans say healthcare demands are stalling negotiations. Here’s what the court said, how unions are responding, and what’s next for the US government.