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Recent decisions by two federal judges have allowed the Trump administration to continue its initiatives focusing on government efficiency through the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. These rulings support the administration’s ongoing efforts to cut wasteful spending and manage federal employment.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper dismissed a request from several federal labor unions, prominently including the National Treasury Employees Union, to intervene against the mass layoffs of federal workers instigated by the Trump administration.
The National Treasury Employees Union, alongside four other labor unions representing federal employees, filed a complaint on February 12. This complaint challenged the administration’s decisions regarding the termination of probationary employees and the implementation of a controversial deferred resignation program.
The deferred resignation program offered federal employees a pivotal choice: return to their posts or resign while still receiving pay through September. However, employees had to make this crucial decision by February 6, a deadline that was later extended to February 12, before being ultimately closed.
The unions sought a Temporary Restraining Order, or TRO, along with a preliminary injunction to block the layoffs and further advancement of the resignation program on February 14. This request was subsequently submitted to Judge Cooper’s court the following day.
Judge Cooper ultimately denied the unions’ request, asserting that the court did not possess jurisdiction over the specific claims made by the unions.
Instead, Cooper mandated that the unions pursue their grievances through the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, which allows for administrative review by the Federal Labor Relations Authority.
In a separate legal case, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan faced a request from 14 states seeking a TRO that would prevent billionaire Elon Musk and his administration at DOGE from accessing critical data systems across numerous federal departments. These agencies included the Office of Personnel Management, Department of Education, Department of Labor, and others. The plaintiffs argued for a 14-day restriction on this access.
Additionally, the states requested that Judge Chutkan’s order prohibit Musk and DOGE from laying off, furloughing, or placing any federal officers or employees from these agencies on leave.
Judge Chutkan noted considerable concern regarding DOGE’s unpredictable actions and expressed awareness of the uncertainty and confusion these actions have generated among plaintiffs and federal agencies alike.
In her ruling, Chutkan confirmed that DOGE could maintain its operations and uphold its current status quo.
Furthermore, on Friday, Judge Chutkan established a briefing schedule for both plaintiffs and defendants. This schedule involves filing motions for discovery, preliminary injunctions, and dismissals, which will extend through April 22.
The rulings from both Cooper and Chutkan represent significant developments in federal labor relations amid the ongoing debates over efficiency and restructuring within government agencies. As proposed changes move forward, they will shape the landscape of federal employment and governmental functioning.
Many federal employees and union representatives now await the resulting impacts of these judicial decisions, while the Trump administration is likely to continue promoting its agenda for government efficiency.
