Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Admin’s Shutdown-Related Layoffs

The judge said at the outset of the hearing that she intended to block the firings, unless the government could change her mind.

A sign that reads "Closed due to federal government shutdown" outside of the National Gallery of Art in Washington on Oct. 6, 2025. Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo

A federal judge on Oct. 15 temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to lay off certain federal employees during the government shutdown.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, of California’s Northern District, began a hearing on the matter by saying she was “inclined to grant the plaintiff’s motion,” but was open to arguments from the government that might change her mind.