A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s administration from firing workers during the government shutdown. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston expressed concerns that the layoffs appeared to be politically motivated and were being carried out without proper consideration. The judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking the job cuts, stating that they were likely illegal and excessive.

The American Federation of Government Employees and other federal labor unions had requested the court to intervene, arguing that the firings were an abuse of power meant to punish workers and pressure Congress. As the shutdown entered its third week, Democratic lawmakers continued to demand concessions on healthcare funding before negotiating with Republicans. The administration, however, maintained its stance, cutting jobs in health and education while continuing military payments and immigration enforcement.