Supreme Shake-Up: Trump's Victory for Federal Restructuring

The U.S. Supreme Court has paved the way for the Trump administration's ambitions to reduce the federal workforce, handing a significant legal victory to the president. By overturning U.S. District Judge Susan Illston's injunction that halted mass layoffs, the court underscores its support for the executive branch's sweeping reorganization plans.

Trump's executive order, issued in February, calls for marked reductions in the size of various federal departments, including Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Treasury. Despite Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's dissent, the court ruled that the order is likely lawful and may proceed while legal proceedings continue.

Opposition from unions and advocacy groups highlights the constitutional debate over presidential authority to make such large-scale changes without congressional approval. Critics argue this threatens democracy and essential public services, but the administration maintains control over staffing is within the president's constitutional rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)