A federal judge in San Francisco on Wednesday halted the Trump administration’s efforts to lay off thousands of federal workers during the government shutdown, saying the move is unlawful.

Judge Susan Illston made clear at the outset of a hearing over the legality of the layoffs that she’s was prepared to issue an emergency court order halting the administration’s plans while the legal challenge brought by unions representing federal workers plays out. She formally issued the order when the hearing ended after roughly an hour.

Illston, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, said she had seen evidence suggesting the administration had “taken advantage of the lapse in government spending, in government functioning, to assume that that all bets are off, that the laws don’t apply to them anymore.”

She went on to say that she believed the planned layoffs were impermissible, in part, because they’re “politically motivated,” and pointed to statements by President Donald Trump that officials were targeting programs and agencies favored by Democrats.

“The politics that infuses what’s going on is being trumpeted out loud in this case,” the judge said.

"There are laws which govern how we can do the things we do. Including laws which govern how we do RIFs. And the activities being undertaken here are contrary to the laws."

Judge Susan Illston

The Trump administration on Friday started issuing reduction in force, or RIF, notices to roughly 4,000 employees in seven agencies, after signaling for weeks that it would downsize the workforce during the shutdown, which began on October 1.

https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-government-shutdown-news-10-15-...

Trump’s court losses are mounting! 

Armchair_Politician wrote on Oct 16^th, 2025 at 5:09am:






"Vacation is nice, but I'm always tired at the end of it and feel like I need a vacation from my vacation, you know?" said Dan Patrick, an auditor for the IRS. "I miss sleeping in my cubicle while doing nothing of note for the American people and collecting a big fat check."

According to sources, all but the most essential federal employees have been sent home without pay as a result of the government shutdown, which means they're now living in an environment where people expect something from them.

"It's such hard work being with my family," admitted federal employee Henry Nameth. "How can people stand doing useful and helpful things all the time? This doesn't feel right."

"I'm a non-essential employee, which means I don't really do anything," said Dr. William Zu, a planetary protection officer for NASA. "My job is to protect the earth from alien microbes, which haven't been discovered yet, so it's a sweet gig. I get to take naps and watch movies all day. Oh, and the paycheck is nice."

Armchair_Politician wrote on Oct 16^th, 2025 at 6:27am:


Every day brings a new loss.

It's good to see the judges are keeping a close eye on his illegal activities.