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Judge enjoins shutdown-related federal layoffs | Principle Civics

October 15, 2025

Judge enjoins shutdown-related federal layoffs

Questions whether administration can use shutdown to permanently restructure federal workforce

On Oct. 15, 2025, Judge Susan Illston granted a temporary restraining order pausing shutdown-related RIFs.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Judge Illston entered a preliminary injunction enjoining shutdown-related RIFs and pausing implementation of notices issued on or after Oct. 10, 2025.

Court relief rests on Administrative Procedure Act claims and a finding that the agencies' actions were likely arbitrary and capricious. The order did not issue a final judgment on the Antideficiency Act.

Agency filings and declarations reported roughly 4,000 to 4,100 layoff notices. OMB Director Russ Vought publicly forecast the number could be 'north of 10,000.'.

A RIF notice typically carries a statutory pre-termination notice period under 5 U.S.C. § 3502 and related regulations, which the court noted in its order.

Key People

3

SI

Susan Illston

United States District Judge, Northern District of California

U.S. District Judge for Northern District of California issued Oct. 15 temporary restraining order blocking all federal layoffs. Found administration failed to follow RIF procedures and did not justify why specific positions needed elimination. Order protected 4,000+ workers pending litigation.

Russell Vought

White House Budget Office Director

Issued the OMB 'Lapse Memorandum' that directed agencies to consider RIFs during the shutdown and publicly forecast layoffs 'north of 10,000.'

AA

AFGE and AFSCME (claimants)

Plaintiff labor unions

Filed suit seeking to enjoin shutdown-related RIFs and obtained temporary and then preliminary injunctive relief.

Claims & Perspectives

True

True

On Oct. 15, 2025, Judge Susan Illston granted a temporary restraining order halting shutdown-related RIF notices.

The court record shows a temporary restraining order issued on Oct. 15, 2025, pausing RIF activity. [1] The AP reported the TRO and that Illston pressed the government over more than 4,100 layoff notices. [2] The Guardian also reported that Illston said she was 'inclined to grant the plaintiff's motion' and that the TRO was in effect. [3]

Sources

Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction (docket entry notes TRO on Oct. 15 and injunction on Oct. 28)

docs.justia.com

Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown

apnews.com

Judge temporarily blocks firings by Trump administration during shutdown

www.theguardian.com

True

On Oct. 28, 2025, Judge Illston entered a preliminary injunction enjoining shutdown-related RIFs and pausing implementation of notices issued on or after Oct. 10, 2025.

The filed order dated Oct. 28, 2025, explicitly grants a preliminary injunction enjoining shutdown-related RIFs while the case proceeds. [1] News reporting confirmed the court paused implementation of RIF notices sent during the shutdown. [2][3]

Sources

Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Filed Oct. 28, 2025)

docs.justia.com

Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown

apnews.com

Judge temporarily blocks firings by Trump administration during shutdown

www.theguardian.com

False

False

Judge Illston ruled that the layoffs definitively violated the Antideficiency Act.

The Oct. 28 order rests on Administrative Procedure Act claims and finds the agencies' actions likely exceed authority and are arbitrary and capricious. [1] The court did not issue a final ruling that the Antideficiency Act was violated. [1][2]

Sources

Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction (docket entry discussing APA grounds)

docs.justia.com

Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown

apnews.com

Judge temporarily blocks firings by Trump administration during shutdown

www.theguardian.com

False

OMB Director Russell Vought said the layoffs would be 'north of 10,000,' not capped at 4,100.

The public record shows OMB Director Russell Vought said the layoffs could be 'north of 10,000,' while agency filings to the court reported roughly 4,000–4,100 notices as of mid-Oct.. [1] The statement that layoffs were capped at 4,100 is incorrect. [1][2]

Sources

Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction (citing Vought's public statement)

docs.justia.com

Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown

apnews.com

Judge temporarily blocks firings by Trump administration during shutdown

www.theguardian.com

Disputed

Disputed

The court found evidence that the RIF process was chaotic and that HR staff were unable to support impacted employees during the 60-day RIF notice period.

The court noted that a RIF typically includes a 60-day pre-termination period under 5 U.S.C. § 3502 and that HR offices were often furloughed or RIF'd, leaving employees without assistance. [1] The government contended that courts lack jurisdiction over agency employment decisions and defended its process. [1][2]

Sources

Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction (detailing HR failures and statutory notice period)

docs.justia.com

Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown

apnews.com

Judge temporarily blocks firings by Trump administration during shutdown

www.theguardian.com

Disputed

The unions' lawsuit alleges the OMB Lapse Memorandum directed agencies to use the shutdown to restructure programs inconsistent with the President's priorities.

The court quoted the OMB 'Lapse Memorandum,' which directed agencies to consider RIFs for programs whose funding lapsed and that were 'not consistent with the President's priorities.' [1] The administration says the guidance addressed funding lapse consequences and lawfully prioritized operations. [1][2]

Sources

Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction (discussing OMB Lapse Memorandum)

docs.justia.com

Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown

apnews.com

Judge temporarily blocks firings by Trump administration during shutdown

www.theguardian.com

What you can do

If you received a RIF notice, contact your union immediately.

civic action

Unions in the case are representing affected members and can advise on administrative and court steps during the injunction period.

•Last updated: October 15, 2025•