A federal judge in San Francisco temporarily barred the Trump administration from firing federal workers during the shutdown, issuing a restraining order five days after more than 4,000 reduction‑in‑force notices went out. U.S. District Judge Susan Yvonne Illston said the moves defied the law and appeared 'arbitrary and capricious,' granting a request from unions representing tens of thousands of employees. The administration had warned of layoffs, and budget director Russell Vought predicted cuts 'north of 10,000' shortly before the order. Advocacy group Democracy Forward, representing the unions, praised the ruling and accused the administration of targeting civil servants.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.