The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with large-scale federal job cuts, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of government workers.
The decision lifts a lower court injunction that had temporarily blocked the move, enabling the administration to begin terminations while legal challenges continue.
The cuts are part of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump and carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was initially led by billionaire Elon Musk.
By April 2025, DOGE’s efforts had already resulted in more than 260,000 firings, resignations, or early retirements, according to Reuters.
The high court’s ruling was unsigned and did not include a vote count.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the only justice to publicly dissent, warning that the decision could dismantle major federal programs and shift too much power to the executive branch.
The ruling has sparked widespread protests across the U.S. and adds to a pattern of recent Supreme Court decisions favouring the Trump administration on controversial issues, including immigration, military policy, and federal authority.
Critics warn the layoffs will severely impact public services and set a dangerous precedent.
Supporters argue the cuts are necessary to reduce government waste and increase efficiency.
- With the court’s decision in place, the Trump administration is now free to continue implementing the job reductions nationwide.