Federal judge blocks Trump from firing employees during shutdown

(The Center Square) – A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from firing employees during the partial government shutdown.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, who is based in California, said the cuts were motivated by applying political pressure and without consideration of potential effects on fired employees.

She also said the cuts appear to violate President Donald Trump's executive authority, even in the midst of a government shutdown.

Trump and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought have touted using the government shutdown as a way to expedite the executive branch's firing authorities.

Federal agency websites have issued notices appearing to blame Democrats for the government shutdown and lapse in services as a result.

Federal agencies sta