The Supreme Court Cleared the Way for Mass Federal Firings

Briefing|The Supreme Court Cleared the Way for Mass Federal Firings

The Trump administration can move forward with plans to slash the federal work force and dismantle federal agencies, the Supreme Court announced this afternoon.

The decision, which was unsigned and did not include a vote count, could result in job losses for tens of thousands of employees at agencies, including the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, State, Treasury and Veterans Affairs. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a dissent.

The case was an important test of the extent of President Trump’s power to reorganize the government without involving Congress. Technically, the court’s ruling is only temporary, while challenges to his plans are heard. But in practice, it means that the administration is free to pursue its restructuring plans.

Trump accused Putin of duplicity

The president railed against Vladimir Putin today during a televised cabinet meeting. He said he was “not happy” with the Russian leader, whom he accused of “killing too many people” and misleading the Americans during peace negotiations.