Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Intervention in Federal Workforce Downsizing
The Trump administration has renewed its appeal to the Supreme Court seeking approval to proceed with plans to reduce the federal workforce. This move comes amid ongoing legal challenges from labor unions and cities.
This request follows a decision by an appeals court that refused to suspend a California judge’s order blocking the workforce cuts, which are spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, highlighted potential widespread implications of the downsizing, particularly on the country’s food-safety system and veteran healthcare. Judge Susan Illston previously ruled that congressional approval is necessary for such significant reductions.
Despite initially withdrawing an appeal for technical reasons, the administration has refiled, arguing that federal judges have overstepped their bounds. Solicitor General D. John Sauer stated, “Illston’s order rests on the indefensible premise that the President needs explicit statutory authorization from Congress to exercise his core Article II authority.”
President Trump has asserted that his election provided a mandate to restructure the federal government, appointing billionaire Elon Musk to lead the effort under DOGE. Musk has recently departed from this role.
The workforce reduction has already seen tens of thousands of federal employees dismissed, resigned through deferred programs, or placed on leave. While official numbers are unavailable, reports indicate at least 75,000 employees accepted deferred resignation, with additional probationary workers dismissed.
Judge Illston’s ruling mandates several federal agencies to pause actions based on Trump’s executive order from February and a subsequent memo from DOGE and the Office of Personnel Management. Affected agencies include the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Labor, Interior, State, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, among others.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a response deadline for next Monday, awaiting input from involved unions and cities like Baltimore, Chicago, and San Francisco.
In parallel, another lawsuit in San Francisco challenges the mass firing of probationary workers, with Judge William Alsup initially ordering their reinstatement. However, this decision was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.
