Court ruling allows Trump’s sweeping layoffs to proceed, leaving thousands of federal workers at risk

A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s aggressive plan to slash the federal workforce, paving the way for mass layoffs and a dramatic restructuring of government agencies. The decision delivers a severe blow to employee unions that sought to block the move, leaving thousands of public sector workers on edge.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper dismissed the unions’ legal challenge on Thursday, asserting that they had brought their case to the wrong forum. Rather than a federal district court, he ruled that the matter must be handled by the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), the agency responsible for adjudicating disputes within the government’s workforce. This technicality has given the Trump administration a clear runway to move ahead with its reduction in force (RIF) strategy.

“The first month of President Trump’s second administration has been defined by an onslaught of executive actions that have caused, some say by design, disruption and even chaos in widespread quarters of American society,” Cooper wrote in his decision. “Certain of the President’s actions have been temporarily halted; others have been permitted to proceed, at least for the time being.”

The lawsuit was filed by several major unions, including the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and the National Federation of Federal Employees. They argued that Trump’s sweeping layoffs violate labour laws and undermine the separation of powers. Their primary concerns focused on the mass firing of probationary employees and the administration’s controversial buyout offers aimed at encouraging resignations. Despite their efforts, Cooper’s ruling now means the cuts can move forward unless the FLRA intervenes.

The ruling is the latest victory for Trump’s Justice Department, which has been fiercely defending the administration’s aggressive cost-cutting measures. The President has made no secret of his desire to shrink the federal government, a move he claims will eliminate inefficiencies. However, critics argue that the layoffs are not about efficiency but about consolidating power and destabilising agencies that have resisted his policies.

Adding fuel to the fire, Trump recently fired the FLRA’s Democratic-appointed chair, Susan Grundmann, replacing her with a loyalist. Legal experts suggest this move could stack the odds further in Trump’s favour if the unions seek relief through the FLRA. Meanwhile, another lawsuit challenging the firings of probationary employees remains ongoing, giving unions a glimmer of hope that they may still find a legal foothold to slow the job cuts.

The administration has also proposed severance buyouts, but these have raised additional concerns. Workers are being pressured to take the deals, fearing the alternative is to be thrown into unemployment without a safety net. While another court previously refused to halt the buyouts, it remains a contentious issue.

With the path now cleared for thousands of terminations, panic is spreading among federal employees who find themselves at the mercy of Trump’s restructuring. Government agencies are bracing for disruptions as entire departments face staffing shortages. Veterans Affairs Secretary Collins attempted to reassure the public, stating, “We’re not cutting benefits,” but workers remain unconvinced.

As federal employees anxiously await their fate, Trump’s administration marches forward with its radical overhaul of the bureaucracy. For those caught in the crossfire, the battle to keep their jobs has just begun.