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A federal judge has halted the Trump administration's plan to lay off approximately 4,000 federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown, declaring the move unlawful. The decision comes as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought indicated that layoffs could exceed 10,000 workers. President Donald Trump, who is set to address reporters alongside the FBI director, has assured that military personnel will continue to receive pay during the shutdown.
The layoffs, known as reductions in force (RIFs), began as the government shutdown entered its third week. The administration had started issuing RIF notices to employees in at least seven federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Environmental Protection Agency, as reported by NPR. The layoffs have been met with criticism from both parties, with lawmakers like Senator Susan Collins opposing the move, stating that it harms essential services.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the layoffs violate federal law. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ordered the administration to provide details on the layoffs and has scheduled a hearing for next week. Meanwhile, the administration is exploring alternative ways to fund essential services, such as using previously allocated defense funds to pay military personnel.
The Trump administration has blamed Democrats for the shutdown, citing their refusal to support a Republican-backed measure to reopen the government without extending health insurance subsidies. As the political impasse continues, both parties remain at odds over the path forward, with ongoing negotiations showing little progress.