Trump Administration withdraws request for a pause order to prevent government from reducing federal staff
The Trump Administration withdrew on Friday night its request for a pause in an order issued by a federal court judge in San Francisco, which prevented the federal government from implementing massive reductions in federal workforce. In a two paragraph letter, U.S. D. John Sauer, Solicitor General, told the justices Senior U.S. district Judge Susan Illston issued a new preliminary injunction order to replace the earlier order they had asked them to pause last week. Sauer explained that the government has asked a federal court to halt the new order issued by Illston. If the court rejects the government’s request then the Trump administration may return to the Supreme Court to ask the justices for their opinion. The case began after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that directed federal agencies to “promptly prepare to initiate large-scale cuts in force (RIFs), in accordance with applicable law.”
On the 9th of May, Illston issued an interim restraining orders that prevented the Trump administration from implementing any RIFs. The U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, expedited the government’s application to suspend Illston’s orders while its appeal is pending. Before the court of appeals had finished its briefing, the Trump administration went to the Supreme Court and asked the justices to intervene. Sauer told the Supreme Court that Illston’s order “caused mass confusion within the Executive Branch” and that the plaintiffs should not be allowed use Illston’s order to “end-run around this bar.”
With Illston’s original order gone and a request in the 9th Circuit pending to pause her latest order while it appeals the Trump administration withdrew their request to put the initial order on hold on Friday. The government could still appeal to the Supreme Court if the 9th Circuit rejects the government’s plea.
Posted in Emergency appeals and applications, Featured
Cases: Trump v. American Federation of Government Employees
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Amy Howe
Trump Administration withdraws request for a pause order to prevent government from reducing federal staff,
SCOTUSblog
(May. 24, 2025, 8:54 AM),
