Supreme Court Lifts Injunction on Unconstitutional Government Overhaul

The Facts -

U.S. Supreme Court Allows Government Reorganization Amid Legal Challenge

Washington, D.C. - In a significant legal development, the U.S. Supreme Court has intervened by granting an emergency stay request from the Trump-Vance administration. This decision effectively lifts an injunction previously placed by two lower courts in the case of AFGE v. Trump, which had paused the administration's controversial plans to overhaul federal departments and agencies.

The Supreme Court's ruling enables the administration to proceed with its reorganization strategies, which include Agency Reductions in Force and Reorganization Plans, despite lacking explicit congressional approval. Importantly, the court refrained from addressing the legality of these plans. The case will persist, with parties involved contemplating future actions.

An extensive coalition leading the lawsuit is composed of labor unions, non-profit entities, and regional governments from states such as California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Washington. This coalition is legally represented by Democracy Forward and Altshuler Berzon LLP, among others.

In response to the court's decision, the coalition issued a statement emphasizing the potential risks to public services and the constitutional principles at stake. “Today’s decision has dealt a serious blow to our democracy and puts services that the American people rely on in grave jeopardy. This decision does not change the simple and clear fact that reorganizing government functions and laying off federal workers en masse haphazardly without any congressional approval is not allowed by our Constitution. While we are disappointed in this decision, we will continue to fight on behalf of the communities we represent and argue this case to protect critical public services that we rely on to stay safe and healthy.”

The coalition's members include prominent organizations such as the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), among several others. Additionally, local governments such as the City of San Francisco and King County, Washington, are involved.

To access statements from the plaintiffs and counsel, click here.

The legal action in AFGE v. Trump contests that the administration’s reorganization efforts infringe upon constitutional principles, specifically the separation of powers, as they proceed without necessary legislative endorsement.

For more detailed information, view the full complaint here and the Supreme Court's decision here.

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