A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to halt layoffs of workers during the ongoing government shutdown. The emergency order from U.S. District Judge Susan Illston came after federal agencies initiated layoff notices last Friday to downsize the federal government, a move seen as part of the Trump administration’s strategy to increase pressure on Democratic lawmakers.
Judge Illston criticized the administration for making decisions without proper consideration, stating that the approach seemed rushed and overlooked the human toll it imposed. In response, Trump has extended the ban on hiring new federal employees, except for certain circumstances, as outlined in an executive order released by the White House. The ban, which was initially set to expire on Oct. 15, will remain in effect.
Additionally, Trump signed an order directing Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to ensure that active-duty U.S. military personnel receive their pay on Oct. 15 despite the shutdown. The directive allows the utilization of appropriated funds to cover military pay and allowances for the fiscal year. Meanwhile, the government shutdown has led to delays in announcing the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, pushing the release to Oct. 24 due to the delayed September Consumer Price Index.
Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought indicated plans for further workforce reductions, known as reductions-in-force plans, as long as the shutdown persists. Vought emphasized the need to continue with the layoffs to advance the interests of American taxpayers. The head of a U.S. airline trade group has also called for an end to the shutdown, citing concerns about the escalating pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay. Aviation industry groups are increasingly worried about the effects of an extended shutdown, particularly on air traffic controllers and TSA officers who may face financial challenges if the standoff prolongs.
