Trump asks Supreme Court to overrule lower court block on mass federal layoffs

Donald Trump administration on Monday filed an emergency request asking the US supreme court to let it move forward with wide-ranging layoffs and agency closures. The request comes as a lower court has put the brakes on the administration’s efforts to reduce federal jobs and shut down various programmes.

The justice department urged the court to lift the pause placed by US district judge Susan Illston, who ruled that labour unions, nonprofit groups, and city governments are likely to succeed in their legal challenge, reported USA Today. Judge Illston’s order temporarily blocks the termination of tens of thousands of jobs and the shutdown of regional offices.


The administration argues that the president, as head of the executive branch, does not require Congressional approval to make staffing decisions. It called the judge’s reasoning “indefensible” and claimed the ruling prevents the government from implementing urgent cost-cutting reforms.

Judge Consuelo Callahan, who disagreed with the lower court’s stance, said the administration is likely to win the case and should be allowed to continue with its policies while the case moves through the courts.

The proposed changes are part of a broader push led by Elon Musk’s department of government efficiency. The plan focuses on cutting overlapping roles, automating routine work, and limiting the use of external contractors.

Critics argue the restructuring will weaken public services — including food safety inspections, disaster response, and public health — leaving vulnerable communities at greater risk.