Unions say the Trump administration is preparing mass layoffs at the Interior Department despite a court order blocking firings during the shutdown, escalating a legal clash over “politically driven” reductions in force. Plaintiffs’ attorney Danielle Leonard told the court that credible sources warned thousands could be cut Monday, prompting Judge Susan Illston to accelerate a demand for details by Friday afternoon. The administration earlier reported RIFs underway at eight agencies affecting just over 4,000 people, and admitted about 800 erroneous notices at HHS. Illston issued a temporary restraining order; the White House called her “another far left, partisan judge.”

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.