A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered a temporary halt to the firing of workers by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration during the government shutdown. The emergency order was issued by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston in response to layoff notices issued by federal agencies last Friday. These notices were part of the administration’s strategy to increase pressure on Democratic lawmakers amid the ongoing shutdown.
Judge Illston criticized the administration for its hasty decision-making process, describing it as “ready, fire, aim” and emphasizing the human costs involved. Meanwhile, President Trump extended the ban on hiring new federal workers, with certain exceptions, through an executive order released by the White House.
Additionally, Trump directed the Pentagon chief to ensure that active-duty U.S. military personnel receive their pay on October 15, despite the shutdown. The annual announcement of the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment has been delayed due to the shutdown, with more workforce cuts planned as long as the shutdown persists, according to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought.
The head of a U.S. airline trade group raised concerns about the increasing pressures faced by air traffic controllers working without pay, urging an end to the shutdown to mitigate risks in the aviation sector. Aviation groups are becoming increasingly alarmed about the potential consequences of an extended shutdown, particularly as mounting sick calls by controllers have led to thousands of delays since the shutdown began. The Air Line Pilots Association and National Air Traffic Controllers Association have both called for a prompt resolution to the shutdown to prevent further disruptions in the aviation industry.