A federal judge in San Francisco has issued an emergency order directing U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to halt the firing of workers during the ongoing government shutdown. The order comes in response to layoff notices issued by federal agencies as part of the administration’s efforts to pressure Democratic lawmakers amid the shutdown.
Judge Susan Illston criticized the administration for its hasty decision-making, stating that the actions were causing a significant human cost that cannot be accepted. Concurrently, Trump has extended the ban on hiring new federal workers, with some exceptions, through an executive order released by the White House.
Additionally, Trump has instructed Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to ensure that active-duty U.S. military personnel receive pay on October 15 despite the shutdown. The ongoing government shutdown has also delayed the announcement of the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, pushing it to October 24.
According to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, more workforce cuts, referred to as reductions-in-force plans, are planned as long as the shutdown persists. Vought emphasized the administration’s aggressive approach in streamlining the bureaucracy and maximizing efficiency.
The head of a U.S. airline trade group has raised concerns about the escalating pressures faced by air traffic controllers working without pay due to the shutdown. Aviation groups are increasingly worried about the repercussions of a prolonged shutdown, as mounting sick calls by controllers have led to thousands of delays, prompting calls for a swift resolution to the standoff.
More than 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers have received a partial paycheck recently and are at risk of not being paid later this month if the shutdown continues.
