The US Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump’s proposal to reduce the size of the federal workforce on Tuesday. The justices removed earlier rulings from lower courts that had temporarily blocked the cuts. The Court explained that it was not reviewing specific job losses, but only considering the legality of the executive order and a directive asking federal agencies to cut staff.
Justice Jackson Raises Strong Objection
However, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with the decision. She said the Court acted too quickly and supported what she called “legally dubious actions.” She also warned that the move could create long-term damage to public services.
Lower Courts Had Blocked the Plan
Earlier this year, US District Judge Susan Illston ruled that the Trump administration could not make major staffing changes without Congressional approval. She issued an order stopping Trump’s executive order and a related memo from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Office of Personnel Management. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld her ruling and warned that such cuts could disrupt services like food safety inspections and veterans’ healthcare.
Unions Warn of Deep Staff Reductions
Trade unions and nonprofit groups opposed to the plan had filed lawsuits. They told the Supreme Court that Trump’s proposal could lead to 40 to 50 percent staffing cuts in some departments. They argued that this would make it hard for the government to deliver important services.
Trump Says Voters Support the Cuts
Trump, on the other hand, said that voters had given him a mandate to reform government. He claimed that the federal system was too large and needed to be more efficient. He had appointed Elon Musk to head DOGE and lead the changes, but Musk later stepped down.
Tens of Thousands Already Affected
Even before the Court’s ruling, tens of thousands of federal workers had already been affected. Many were fired, while others left through deferred resignation programs. Officials estimate that over 75,000 employees have resigned through these programs. At the same time, many probationary workers—those still under trial—have already lost their jobs.
Major Departments Face Cuts
A large number of federal agencies are part of the workforce reduction. These include the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Labor, State, Treasury, Interior, and Veterans Affairs. The plan also affects the Social Security Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Small Business Administration, and the National Science Foundation.
Worries Over Future Government Services
While the White House says the cuts will make government more efficient, critics believe it will hurt key services. The administration has not released full details on how many total jobs will be cut or what the long-term effects will be.