Federal judge blocks planned US farm agency reorganization
The ruling pauses a plan that could force thousands of USDA workers to move or lose jobs and keeps regional offices open during the lawsuit.
- On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria blocked the Department of Agriculture from closing offices and relocating employees, issuing a temporary injunction while a federal lawsuit brought by worker unions proceeds.
- Initiated by President Donald Trump's summer 2025 'critical transformation' order, the reorganization sought to move about 2,600 employees from the Washington region and consolidate offices across the country.
- Chhabria found it 'overwhelmingly likely' the agency violated Congress's restrictions, writing that 'Congress did not contemplate USDA using its appropriated funds to shut down offices or relocate employees.'
- AFSCME President Patrick Moran called the ruling a 'welcome reprieve,' saying the coalition of unions argued the plan would threaten public benefits like SNAP and endanger public safety.
- The injunction may be short-lived, as the current appropriations cycle expires in approximately two months, potentially allowing the Trump administration to revive the plan if Congress approves future funding.
18 Articles
18 Articles
The Billings Gazette
Helena Independent RecordJudge halts Trump administration's reshuffling of Forest Service, USDA
Most of the ongoing reshuffling of the department was paused Tuesday after a federal judge in Northern California found the reorganization “almost certainly” violated federal appropriations laws.
Federal judge blocks planned US farm agency reorganization
A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the US Department of Agriculture from proceeding with its planned agency reorganization, in a blow to President Donald Trump's sweeping overhaul of the executive branch.
Court Orders Stop to USDA Reorganization in Lawsuit Filed by Unions, Nonprofits, Cities, and Counties
San Francisco – A federal court has ordered the Trump-Vance administration to stop implementing an unlawful reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The lawsuit, filed by labor unions, nonprofit organizations, and cities and counties from across the country, asked the court to halt the closure of offices and facilities and the forced relocations […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
