A U.S. District Judge issued a significant ruling on mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asserting that the Trump administration’s plans are likely unlawful.
On Tuesday, Judge Melissa DuBose granted a preliminary injunction that was sought by a coalition of attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia, marking a pivotal moment in a lawsuit filed in early May.
Judge DuBose emphasized that the states demonstrated ‘irreparable harm’ from the layoffs and had strong claims that HHS acted in an ‘arbitrary and capricious’ manner and contrary to established law.
In her detailed 58-page order, she underscored that the executive branch lacks the authority to implement sweeping reorganizations of federal agencies created by Congress.
This ruling prevents the Trump administration from proceeding with layoffs announced in March and bars any new terminations.
As part of the court’s directives, HHS is required to submit a status report by July 11.
An HHS spokesperson indicated that the administration is currently reviewing the court’s decision and contemplating its next steps.
Andrew Nixon, the spokesperson, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to realigning the organization with its core mission, arguing that HHS had become wasteful and inefficient over time.
The judge’s order impacts employees across four distinct HHS components, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Center for Tobacco Products within the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of Head Start in the Administration for Children and Families, and staff at regional offices working on Head Start issues.
In late March, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initiated the elimination of over 10,000 employees while consolidating 28 federal agencies into 15.
As a consequence of these actions, agencies like the CDC have since rescinded layoffs affecting numerous employees involved in vital areas such as HIV and hepatitis monitoring.
The attorneys general elaborated in their lawsuit that the vast restructuring was not only arbitrary but outside the permissible scope of HHS’s authority.
They argued that the drastic measures jeopardized essential programs and transferred substantial financial burdens to the states.
Judge DuBose recognized the challenges states now face, noting their loss of access to crucial funds, guidance, research, compliance oversight, and the strategic expertise they have long relied upon.
These layoffs and restructuring efforts are part of a broader federal initiative entitled “Make America Healthy Again,” which aims to eliminate redundancies and streamline what the administration describes as costly agencies.
At a Senate hearing on May 14, Kennedy cited “chaos and disorganization” at HHS as a central reason driving the restructuring.
However, critics pointed out that the restructuring dismantled critical teams responsible for regulating food safety and pharmaceutical safety, as well as supporting various programs related to tobacco, HIV prevention, and maternal and infant health.
Following the backlash, Kennedy acknowledged that due to errors, around 20% of those terminated might be eligible for reinstatement.
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