On June 2, 2025, the Trump administration filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court to reverse a lower court order that blocked mass firings at federal agencies.

This appeal follows a ruling from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the lower court's decision, citing potential negative impacts on food safety and healthcare for veterans.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston ruled that significant reductions to the federal workforce require congressional approval, a decision the Trump administration argues oversteps judicial authority.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer contends that controlling federal agency personnel is a core presidential authority protected by the Constitution.

The emergency appeal argues that the lower court's decision has caused 'ongoing and severe harm' to the executive branch's operations.

As a result of the injunction, the government is required to retain thousands of employees deemed unnecessary by agencies, increasing taxpayer costs.

The layoffs affect major federal departments, including Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Labor, and Veterans Affairs.

Trump has consistently argued that voters endorsed his plans to reshape the federal government, previously appointing Elon Musk to lead the downsizing initiative.

The Supreme Court has set a deadline for responses from the involved unions and cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and San Francisco, by June 9, 2025.

Trump's executive order, signed in mid-February 2025, initiated a process for mass layoffs, requiring federal agencies to submit reorganization plans.

Previously, Trump attempted to have the Supreme Court review the case, but the Department of Justice withdrew the appeal shortly after a federal district court issued a blocking order.

The appeal highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and federal judges regarding executive powers.