Agencies poised for swift action on RIFs should court inhibition recede

The Trump administration is seeking relief from a court order that has indefinitely blocked layoffs and reorganization plans at most major federal agencies. The administration argues that the injunction is hindering its efforts to streamline government operations and realign departments with their original intended missions.

According to government documents obtained by Government Executive, 40 Reduction in Force (RIF) actions were underway at 17 agencies when the injunction came down. Internal documents suggest that much of the work required for implementing RIFs has already taken place or is ongoing at many agencies.

The Agriculture Department, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, is ready to deploy a major reorganization, including thousands of layoffs and relocations, as soon as the court injunction lifts. Rollins stated that the overhaul of the Agriculture Department "got caught up in litigation" but would be implemented "hopefully as soon as possible."

The Interior Department is also prepared to swiftly implement layoffs should the injunction be lifted. Potential layoffs could affect 1,500 employees at the National Park Service, 1,000 employees at the U.S. Geological Survey, 100 to 150 employees at the Bureau of Reclamation, and more staff at other components. An official at Interior stated that all the files for the layoffs are in place and delivering the notices is likely to occur quickly and swiftly.

Employees at the Interior Department reported little official communication from leadership, but signs indicated the department was ready to begin implementation of layoffs before the court order. Another employee at the USDA described a silent workplace with canceled meetings and some senior executives sent out on temporary assignments at the state level.

The State Department is hoping to move forward with its RIFs even if the injunction remains in place, arguing that its plans are separate from President Trump's orders and therefore not subject to the pause. However, the court has stated that the State Department's argument likely violates its mandate and will hold a hearing on the matter next week.

The Trump administration has asked Justice Elena Kagan for a response to its appeal by next week. Meanwhile, the USDA and Interior Departments did not respond to requests for comment regarding their readiness to implement changes.

In an effort to improve performance and accountability, the Interior Department is conducting training for supervisors on firing employees for poor performance or misconduct, titled "Uncivil Servant - Holding Employees Accountable for Performance & Conduct." The Agriculture Department's reorganization plan is intended to realign and refocus the department around its original intended mission.

Preliminary efforts are still underway in the interest of preparedness, according to one employee familiar with the planning. Another official stated that the RIFs are expected to occur "ASAP" upon the potential injunction lift.

As the court considers the administration's appeal, federal employees wait in anticipation, unsure of what the future holds for their jobs and the direction of their departments.