Story perspectives

Unions Sue Trump Administration Over Alleged Layoffs During Shutdown

10/17/2025

28 5

Summary

Story summary

Unions representing federal employees allege that the Trump administration intends to implement mass layoffs at the Interior Department, despite a court order prohibiting such actions during the shutdown.
The American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit claiming politically motivated layoffs.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston has ordered the government to disclose details about affected employees by Friday.
During a recent hearing, Judge Illston criticized the administration's actions, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the layoffs as a consequence of the shutdown.

1 of 1

Story summary

Unions representing federal employees allege that the Trump administration intends to implement mass layoffs at the Interior Department, despite a court order prohibiting such actions during the shutdown.
The American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit claiming politically motivated layoffs.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston has ordered the government to disclose details about affected employees by Friday.
During a recent hearing, Judge Illston criticized the administration's actions, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the layoffs as a consequence of the shutdown.