The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Trump Administration can proceed with agency reorganization and staff reduction plans (RIFs), but union attorneys are pushing for the public release of these plans, arguing they are critical to assessing their legality. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston ordered the government to justify by Monday why the agency RIF and reorganization plans (ARRPs) should remain confidential, rejecting claims of deliberative process privilege. She noted that the final ARRPs from 17 agencies, ready for implementation but previously blocked by an injunction, are likely not pre-decisional and should be disclosed. The government insists the plans are sensitive and subject to change, but unions argue they are essential to evaluate whether agencies are making reasoned decisions. Individual workers affected by RIFs can challenge terminations through the Merit Systems Protection Board and federal courts, with agencies required to prove compliance with RIF regulations. The Supreme Court left open the possibility that specific agency plans could still be invalidated if improperly executed.
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2025/07/court-fight-over-rifs-continues-after-supreme-court-ruling/
