A federal judge in California has permanently barred President Donald Trump from moving forward with plans to dismiss thousands of federal employees under a proposed “Reduction in Force.” Judge Susan Illston ruled the administration’s actions were unlawful and “politically motivated,” citing social media posts and internal memos blaming Democrats. The decision halts all layoffs and suspends related guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management.

Unions hailed the ruling as a major victory for federal workers, calling it a stand against “illegal political purges.” More than 4,000 employees had already received termination notices, part of a plan that could have cut up to 10,000 positions. The judge blasted the administration’s strategy as “ready, fire, aim” with “a human cost that cannot be tolerated.” For now, the layoffs are frozen — and the White House faces another legal setback in its shutdown-era agenda.