A federal court in Rhode Island has issued a ruling that halts the Trump administration’s planned layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ordering the government to stop any actions related to the firings or restructuring. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Melissa R. DuBose, grants a preliminary injunction that prevents the administration from carrying out these changes, which were part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration.
Background of the Case
The issue began in March 2025 when HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to lay off 10,000 employees and shut down several sub-agencies as part of the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign. This decision was met with fierce opposition from various states, led by New York, who argued that the layoffs would severely impact the department’s ability to fulfill its statutory obligations.
The plaintiffs in the case argued that the layoffs and restructuring efforts would lead to significant harm, particularly to crucial public health services like cancer screenings, maternal health programs, and domestic violence prevention. They also contended that the Trump administration’s actions violated Congressional directives and statutes that allocate funding for these essential programs.
The Court’s Decision
Judge DuBose’s ruling heavily criticized the Trump administration’s actions, particularly for attempting to bypass funding already approved by Congress. The court’s memorandum described how HHS’s restructuring plan violated clear Congressional mandates and laws that guide federal spending. DuBose noted that HHS does not have the authority to decide on its own whether it can exceed its statutory responsibilities.
In her opinion, Judge DuBose stated, “This Court concludes that the Defendants usurped Congressional power to manage the public health appropriations at stake,” further emphasizing that the planned layoffs would have “irreparably harmed” public health programs. The ruling also outlined how critical services had already been disrupted, including those provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The court found that these disruptions were not hypothetical but were already being felt on the ground, including interrupted public health services, grants thrown into chaos, and curtailment of essential training programs.
State Reactions and Support
The ruling was welcomed by the plaintiffs, particularly New York Attorney General Letitia James, who argued that HHS serves as the backbone of the nation’s public health system. She emphasized the need to keep these critical services accessible to vulnerable communities and stated, “This order guarantees these programs and services will remain accessible and halts the administration’s attempt to sabotage our nation’s health care system.”
HHS and the Government’s Defense
The Trump administration, through the Department of Health and Human Services, had initially tried to defend the restructuring by arguing that the plaintiffs had waited too long to file their lawsuit. However, Judge DuBose rejected this argument, pointing out that the states had filed their case soon after the harms of the layoffs became apparent.
Additionally, the administration claimed that the states were attacking the broader political goals of the newly-led HHS, but the judge rejected this assertion. She clarified that the plaintiffs were not challenging the agency’s evolution but rather the specific March 27 directive that triggered the layoffs and program cuts.
A Critical Judgment on HHS’s Actions
The court’s ruling underscored that HHS’s attempt to carry out the planned layoffs was unlawful, citing a breach of Congressional appropriations and the agency’s responsibility to implement federal laws. The judge expressed that Congress never intended to allow HHS to “self-destruct” by dismantling critical programs and eliminating necessary staff. She concluded that the actions taken by HHS under the Trump administration were in direct contradiction to the laws designed to protect public health.
Next Steps and Legal Proceedings
The ruling temporarily halts the layoffs and restructuring but sets the stage for further legal battles. The next court date for the case is set for Wednesday, with the plaintiffs hopeful that the judge’s order will lead to the reinstatement of the staff and the protection of vital public health services.
