In a recent development, a federal judge in San Francisco has mandated that the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration halt the termination of employees during the government shutdown. This emergency order was issued by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston after federal agencies initiated layoff notices to downsize the federal workforce as a tactic to increase pressure on Democratic lawmakers amidst the ongoing shutdown.
Judge Illston criticized the administration for its hasty decision-making process, stating that the approach lacked proper consideration and carried a significant human toll that should not be overlooked. Concurrently, President Trump has extended the prohibition on hiring new federal workers, with certain exemptions, as per an executive order disclosed by the White House.
To ensure that active-duty U.S. military personnel receive their pay on time despite the shutdown, Trump has directed Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to utilize available Congress-appropriated funds for military pay and allowances. Meanwhile, the announcement of the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment has been postponed due to the shutdown, affecting millions of beneficiaries.
According to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, more reductions-in-force plans are in the pipeline as long as the shutdown persists. Vought emphasized the importance of ongoing workforce reductions to benefit American taxpayers and streamline government operations. Additionally, the head of a U.S. airline trade group raised concerns about the escalating pressures faced by air traffic controllers working without pay, calling for an immediate end to the shutdown to mitigate risks in aviation operations.
The aviation industry is increasingly alarmed about the potential consequences of an extended shutdown, with mounting sick calls by controllers causing numerous flight delays. Organizations like the Air Line Pilots Association and National Air Traffic Controllers Association have urged for a swift resolution to the shutdown to prevent further disruptions. If the standoff continues, over 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers may face financial challenges in the coming weeks.