U.S. District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco issued a temporary restraining order halting the Trump administration’s plan to fire more than 4,100 federal workers during the shutdown, saying the hurried cuts carry an intolerable human cost and appear beyond the government’s authority. She pressed the administration’s rationale, noting furloughed employees lack email and HR support. Federal unions argued the layoffs are political punishment meant to pressure Congress. The shutdown, now in its third week, has hardened partisan demands over health care, with Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to negotiate until Democrats pause theirs.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.