July 9, 2025

The Supreme Court opens the door to mass federal layoffs

The Supreme Court opens the door to mass federal layoffs
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The Supreme Court opens the door to mass federal layoffs

The Supreme Court has temporarily cleared the way for the Trump administration to continue mass layoffs of federal workers. Today, the consequences of this decision and what it could mean for presidential power.

On Tuesday the Supreme Court lifted an order by a lower court that prevented the Trump administration from laying off thousands of federal workers. While the order was unsigned – meaning that the justices have not yet ruled on its legality – this is one of several recent decisions in which the court has sided with President Donald Trump in his effort to upend the government by firing federal workers and regulators. 

Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Supreme Court correspondent Ann Marimow about how the court came to this decision and what the rulings could mean for Trump’s agenda in the future. 

Today’s show was produced by Arjun Singh, with help from Elana Gordon and Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Debbi Wilgoren.

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