A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily halted the Trump administration's extensive plan to downsize federal agencies, issuing a 14-day injunction in response to a lawsuit challenging the legality of the mass layoffs.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston granted the emergency order after a coalition of labor unions, non-profit organizations, and local governments filed suit against the administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce. The plaintiffs argued that the administration's actions lacked Congressional authorization and violated existing laws. Judge Illston emphasized that while the president holds authority to restructure the executive branch, such actions must comply with legal procedures and involve Congress. The restraining order, effective for 14 days, affects various departments, including Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Energy, Labor, and the Social Security Administration. A further hearing is scheduled for May 22 to consider extending the injunction.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, initiated the overhaul aimed at eliminating redundant roles and automating tasks within federal agencies. However, the plaintiffs contended that these measures caused significant disruptions in critical public services, including the near-total staff termination at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Pittsburgh office. Judge Illston highlighted the potential widespread harm to employees and communities resulting from the mass layoffs and indicated that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their claims.

Established by an executive order on January 20, 2025, DOGE is an initiative by the second Trump administration tasked with cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. Led by Elon Musk, DOGE has been instrumental in facilitating mass layoffs and the dismantling of organizations. The department has also assisted with immigration crackdowns and copied sensitive data from government databases. DOGE's status is somewhat ambiguous; formerly designated as the U.S. Digital Service, it now comprises the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization, scheduled to end on July 4, 2026. While Musk has stated that DOGE is transparent, the administration has attempted to exempt it from disclosure requirements. DOGE's actions have faced opposition and lawsuits, with critics warning of a potential constitutional crisis and likening its actions to a coup d'état. Notably, Musk did not divest from companies with government contracts that clash with federal regulators, which DOGE is attempting to slash. The White House has claimed the lawfulness of DOGE's actions and suggested that Musk would recuse himself if his interests conflicted.

The mass layoffs initiated by DOGE have had profound implications across various federal agencies:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Over 300 probationary employees were terminated, including staff responsible for enforcing regulations under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. This reduction has raised concerns about the agency's capacity to maintain environmental safeguards and public health protections.

• National Park Service (NPS): Approximately 1,000 employees were fired, including maintenance workers and scientists. This move has led to worries about staffing shortages, potentially reducing park workforces by up to 20%, and affecting park operations, conservation efforts, and visitor services.

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): About 6,000 to 7,000 probationary employees were dismissed during the peak tax-filing season, raising concerns about potential delays in tax return processing, reduced customer service, and diminished enforcement capabilities.

• Department of Energy (DOE): Between 1,200 to 2,000 employees were laid off, affecting critical areas such as the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Loan Programs Office, and power grid management. These layoffs have sparked concerns about the stability of the nation's nuclear security and energy infrastructure.

The mass layoffs have prompted several legal challenges:

• Employee Unions Lawsuit: On February 19, 2025, five labor unions and five nonprofit organizations filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in California. On February 27, U.S. District Judge William Alsup granted temporary relief, finding that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely illegal. On March 13, Alsup ordered the Defense Department and several other agencies to reinstate the employees, stating, "It’s a sad, sad day when our government would fire a good employee and say it’s based on performance when they know good and well that is based on a lie."

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Lawsuit: In response to layoffs at the CFPB, employee unions and advocacy groups filed a lawsuit challenging the terminations. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued a temporary restraining order that halted further terminations, prevented the destruction or removal of sensitive data, and blocked the transfer of reserve funds until a preliminary injunction hearing could be held.

The temporary injunction against the Trump administration's mass layoff plans underscores the legal and ethical complexities surrounding the restructuring of the federal workforce. As the May 22 hearing approaches, the outcome will have significant implications for federal employees, public services, and the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress.