A federal judge has issued a temporary halt on President Trump’s plan to lay off thousands of federal workers. On Friday, Judge Susan Illston ruled against the administration, blocking the plan just days before it was set to begin implementation. This order from Judge Illston comes after the White House earlier this year initiated sweeping changes to the federal workforce with a directive calling for large-scale closures and early retirements across various agencies. The court’s action has effectively put on hold any firings, requiring the government to follow legal procedures before moving forward. 60 days’ notice, vetting veteran status, and considering reassignment options were required by law, according to the ruling. 23rd May now represents a new deadline for implementation.