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Government Shutdown

Deal to end government shutdown reverses thousands of layoffs

Citing a need to trim costs during the shutdown, the Trump administration initiated layoffs but they were paused by a federal judge in California.

Portrait of Zac Anderson Zac Anderson
USA TODAY
Updated Nov. 10, 2025, 2:35 p.m. ET

Thousands of laid off federal workers would keep their jobs as part of a deal to end the federal government shutdown that also prohibits new terminations through Jan. 30.

The legislation advanced in the Senate Nov. 9 after eight Democrats joined with Republicans to approve the measure.

Citing a need to trim costs during the shutdown, the Trump administration initiated layoffs on Oct. 10 but they were paused by a federal judge in California.

The American Federation of Government Employees sued to block the 4,000 layoffs and more that President Donald Trump announced were coming. The union argued the layoffs were unlawful because they were arbitrary and capricious.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston temporarily halted all layoffs imposed or pending.

Contributing: Bart Jansen

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