The Trump administration has once again petitioned the Supreme Court with the intent of implementing large-scale reductions in the federal workforce. This move follows a previous attempt, which was halted by a federal injunction. The case, Trump v. American Federation of Government Employees, centers around an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump, directing federal agencies to prepare for significant reductions in force (RIFs).
Recently, U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer approached the Supreme Court to pause the enforcement of a decision made by Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco. Illston’s injunction currently bars the administration from proceeding with the RIFs. This judicial move was prompted by petitions from a group of labor unions, local governments, and advocacy groups concerned about potential adverse effects of such workforce reductions.
Prior efforts by the administration to obtain a stay of Illston’s order have been hindered by the 9th Circuit’s rejection of the government’s appeal. Consequently, Solicitor General Sauer reiterated his appeal to the Supreme Court, asking for an administrative stay to suspend Illston’s decision while further review is being conducted. The court has required the plaintiffs to submit their response by June 9, 2025.
The legal community continues to monitor the proceedings as the administration argues the order hampers the Executive Branch’s authority to manage its workforce in accordance with legislation. The earlier request for a pause was rescinded when Illston replaced a temporary restraining order with a preliminary injunction, as outlined in this SCOTUSblog report.