Entertainment
US judge blocks Trump’s plan to lay off thousands of government workers
- About 4,100 workers have been notified of layoffs during shutdown.
- Two unions representing government employees brought case.
- Judge says explicit political motivation not allowed under law.
A federal judge in California on Wednesday ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to halt mass layoffs of federal workers during a partial government shutdown while she considers claims by unions that the job cuts are illegal.
During a hearing in San Francisco, US District Judge Susan Illston granted a request by two unions to block layoffs at more than 30 federal agencies while the case proceeds.
The decision is likely to be appealed quickly, but it offers a reprieve for federal workers facing a nearly year-long push by the Trump administration to slash their ranks.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The White House said last week that it had begun substantial layoffs across the US government, as Trump followed through on a threat to cut the federal workforce during the government shutdown, now in its 15th day. In an order on Wednesday, Trump extended an existing freeze on hiring new federal workers, with exceptions for military personnel and appointees to political roles.
About 4,100 workers at eight agencies have been notified that they are being laid off so far, according to a Tuesday court filing by the administration.
Illston’s ruling came shortly after White House Budget Director Russell Vought said on “The Charlie Kirk Show” that more than 10,000 federal workers could lose their jobs because of the shutdown.
Illston at the hearing cited a series of public statements by Trump and Vought that she said showed explicit political motivations for the layoffs, such as Trump saying that cuts would target “Democrat agencies.”
“You can’t do that in a nation of laws. And we have laws here, and the things that are being articulated here are not within the law,” said Illston, an appointee of Democratic former President Bill Clinton.
Judge demands details on layoffs
Democracy Forward, a legal group that represents the unions, said Illston made clear that the president’s targeting of federal workers was unlawful.
“Our civil servants do the work of the people, and playing games with their livelihoods is cruel and unlawful and a threat to everyone in our nation,” Skye Perryman, the group’s president and CEO, said in a statement.
Illston ordered the administration to provide by Friday an accounting of any “actual or imminent” layoffs and to outline the steps agencies are taking to comply with her ruling.
A US Department of Justice lawyer, Elizabeth Hedges, at the hearing said she was not prepared to address Illston’s concerns about the legality of the layoffs. She instead argued that the unions must bring their claims to a federal labour board before being able to sue over them in court.
Illston disagreed and chided the Justice Department for refusing to take a position on the unions’ legal claims.
“The hatchet is falling on the heads of employees all across the nation, and you’re not even prepared to address whether that’s legal,” she said.
The American Federation of Government Employees and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees claim that implementing layoffs is not an essential service that can be performed during a lapse in government funding, and that the shutdown does not justify mass job cuts because most federal workers have been furloughed without pay.
Trump’s Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress but need at least seven Democratic votes to pass a funding bill in the Senate, where Democrats are holding out for an extension of health-insurance subsidies. Democrats have said they will not cave to Trump’s pressure tactics, and a renewed bid to pass a spending bill failed on Wednesday.
Claudia Winkleman exuded power couple vibes as she was spotted with her husband, Kris Thykier for a date night at swanky French Mediterranean restaurant Maset in Marylebone, London on Friday.
The Traitors host, 54, sensation put on a united front with her rarely-seen partner, 54, appearing in high spirits after celebrating her 54th birthday with a intimate meal.
For the occasion, Claudia looked stunning in a black high-collar cape coat, teamed with fitted black leggings that displayed her slim figure.
She completed her gorgeous look with black leather knee-high boots, accessorising her look with statement blue fingerless gloves.
The TV star looked radiant, flashing a broad smile for the cameras as the couple made their way to a waiting taxi.
Meanwhile, her film producer husband looked sharp in a black suit, paired with a crisp white shirt and a smart blue tie.
Claudia met her husband through mutual friends in 2000, and they married later that year.
They keep their relationship out of the spotlight, but they have been married for over two decades, sharing three children and working in the entertainment industry.
The date night out comes just a day after Claudia celebrated turning 54 with Jools Holland and singer Mika, and shared an update on Instagram.
Finn Wolfhard took centre stage during Saturday Night Live’s return to TV following a brief holiday break.
The 23-year-old actor and musician made his debut as the show’s host on January 17, with A$AP Rocky joining him as the evening’s musical guest.
However, what was understandably the standout moment of the latest episode was when Wolfhard’s Stranger Things co-stars crashed his opening monologue.
Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo appeared onstage to support the Netflix star’s hosting stint, his first high profile appearance since the popular series ended at the year’s turn.
Following his opening remarks, and a brief cameo by SNL castmate Marcello Hernandez, the It actor introduced “the new me” — a playful attempt at becoming a “man”, with his time as a child star long over.
“Stranger Things is over and I’m not a kid anymore,” Wolfhard made the announcement, which was quickly followed by his co-stars stepping into the camera lens and declaring, “And neither are we!”
The three actors then followed a bit of banter by toasting to Wolfhard’s hosting debut, with the former child star announcing, “And to us, child stars, who are now ready to do adult films,” to great laughter and applause.
Finn Wolfhard first rose to prominence after appearing on Stranger Things, initially released in 2016 and concluded on December 31, 2025. While the actor soon branched out into a successful acting career with appearances in two It films, the Ghostbusters franchise, and more.
He additionally boasts a fledgling musical career, something he said he plans to focus on more after the conclusion of his commitment to the Netflix hit.
Kourtney Kardashian recently celebrated a personal milestone in a fun and relaxed way.
The 46-year-old reality star shared on her Instagram Stories that she has been sober for three years now.
Kourtney revealed the news while joining her sister Khloe Kardashian to launch the latest flavour of Khloud popcorn.
“@Khloudfoods @KhloeKardashian def told them I haven’t drank alcohol in 3 years. Fancy Friday,” she wrote.
In the video, the mother of four enjoyed a mocktail which was apparently made with non-alcoholic gin and was styled with popcorn pieces.
However, she reached for a sample of the new snack while praising it with an enthusiastic “Love it!”
The Kardashians star’s choice to quit alcohol comes as she focuses on her health, her kids and being more present in life.
Her husband Travis Barker has been sober for over 17 years now after a serious plane crash in 2008.
She has also been making other changes in her lifestyle as well as she has gone four years without Botox, saying that it helps her keep her “third eye open.”
Moreover, Kourtney’s latest lifestyle choices reflect her commitment to her wellness.
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