Court Rules Against Trump Admin’s Mass Firings: Why DOGE Holds No Legal Authority

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), backed by former President Donald Trump, faced a major setback in the courts. Recently, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals deemed the mass firings of thousands of federal workers illegal. This ruling follows a previous decision by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston, who stated that the firings were unconstitutional.

In the court’s decision, Judge William A. Fletcher noted that the executive order allowing these mass layoffs bypassed Congress, violating the principle of separation of powers. He emphasized that DOGE lacks legitimate authority over federal agencies. The ruling highlighted drastic cuts: up to 50% of the workforce at the Department of Energy and substantial layoffs at AmeriCorps and the General Services Administration.

The Trump administration now has options moving forward. They can either appeal to the entire 9th Circuit or ask the Supreme Court to intervene. The initial lawsuit was filed by a coalition of labor unions representing federal workers, underscoring the heightened tension over federal employment rights.

To put this in perspective, mass layoffs have historical significance. In the past, sweeping changes in government staffing often led to chaotic transitions and public outcry. For instance, similar events during the 1930s and 1980s prompted movements advocating for worker protections.

User reactions on social media reflected a range of opinions. Some see this as a victory for labor rights, while others criticize it as a political maneuver. Regardless of stance, this ruling may reshape discussions on the power dynamics within federal agencies.

For further insights, you can check the full ruling here.

Source link

trump, doge, mass firings, federal workers