Judge Approves Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts Backed by Elon Musk

Trump scored a major legal win on Wednesday after a federal judge ruled in favor of his administration’s plan to reduce the federal workforce through a deferred resignation program. The initiative, led by Elon Musk, offers financial incentives to encourage government employees to voluntarily leave their positions, a move Trump’s team argues will cut down on federal spending.

The decision came after U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston dismissed a lawsuit brought by labor unions, ruling that they lacked legal standing to challenge the program. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the ruling, calling it proof that “lawfare will not ultimately prevail over the will of 77 million Americans who supported President Trump and his priorities.”

Under the plan, employees can stop working while still receiving pay until September 30. The White House claims that tens of thousands of federal workers have already opted into the program. However, labor unions argue that the plan is illegal and sought to block the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from soliciting more workers to participate.

The deferred resignation program has been a key part of Musk’s role as Trump’s top adviser on government spending cuts. The administration has framed it as a “humane off-ramp” for employees, particularly those who have grown accustomed to remote work but are now being ordered back to government offices.

While unions have yet to respond to the ruling, the legal battle over Trump’s federal workforce cuts may not be over.