US-China tariff talks 'a bit stalled,' Bessent concedes
US trade talks with China are "a bit stalled" and getting a deal over the finish line will likely need the direct involvement of President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says.
Two weeks after breakthrough negotiations led by Bessent that resulted in a temporary truce in the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, Bessent told Fox News that progress since then has been slow, but said he expects more talks in the next few weeks.
"I believe we may at some point have a call between the president and party chair Xi," Bessent said.
"Given the magnitude of the talks, given the complexity ... this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other," he said.
"They have a good relationship, and I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table when President Trump makes his preferences known."
The US-China agreement to dial back triple-digit tariffs for 90 days prompted a massive relief rally in global stocks. But it did nothing to address the underlying reasons for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods, mainly longstanding US complaints about China's state-dominated, export-driven economic model, leaving those issues for future talks.
Since the mid-May deal, the Trump administration has concentrated on tariff negotiations with other major trading partners, including India, Japan and the European Union. Trump last week threatened 50 per cent tariffs on EU goods, only to delay that threat.
A US trade court on Wednesday ruled that Trump overstepped his authority in imposing the bulk of his tariffs on imports from China and other countries under an emergency powers act.
But less than 24 hours later, a federal appeals court reinstated the tariffs, saying it was pausing the trade court ruling to consider the government's appeal.
The appeals court ordered the plaintiffs to respond by June 5 and the administration to respond by June 9.
Bessent said earlier that some trading partners, including Japan, were negotiating in good faith and that he detected no changes in their postures as a result of the trade court ruling.
Bessent said he would meet with a Japanese delegation on Friday in Washington.
US trade talks with China are "a bit stalled" and getting a deal over the finish line will likely need the direct involvement of President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says.
Two weeks after breakthrough negotiations led by Bessent that resulted in a temporary truce in the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, Bessent told Fox News that progress since then has been slow, but said he expects more talks in the next few weeks.
"I believe we may at some point have a call between the president and party chair Xi," Bessent said.
"Given the magnitude of the talks, given the complexity ... this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other," he said.
"They have a good relationship, and I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table when President Trump makes his preferences known."
The US-China agreement to dial back triple-digit tariffs for 90 days prompted a massive relief rally in global stocks. But it did nothing to address the underlying reasons for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods, mainly longstanding US complaints about China's state-dominated, export-driven economic model, leaving those issues for future talks.
Since the mid-May deal, the Trump administration has concentrated on tariff negotiations with other major trading partners, including India, Japan and the European Union. Trump last week threatened 50 per cent tariffs on EU goods, only to delay that threat.
A US trade court on Wednesday ruled that Trump overstepped his authority in imposing the bulk of his tariffs on imports from China and other countries under an emergency powers act.
But less than 24 hours later, a federal appeals court reinstated the tariffs, saying it was pausing the trade court ruling to consider the government's appeal.
The appeals court ordered the plaintiffs to respond by June 5 and the administration to respond by June 9.
Bessent said earlier that some trading partners, including Japan, were negotiating in good faith and that he detected no changes in their postures as a result of the trade court ruling.
Bessent said he would meet with a Japanese delegation on Friday in Washington.
US trade talks with China are "a bit stalled" and getting a deal over the finish line will likely need the direct involvement of President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says.
Two weeks after breakthrough negotiations led by Bessent that resulted in a temporary truce in the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, Bessent told Fox News that progress since then has been slow, but said he expects more talks in the next few weeks.
"I believe we may at some point have a call between the president and party chair Xi," Bessent said.
"Given the magnitude of the talks, given the complexity ... this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other," he said.
"They have a good relationship, and I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table when President Trump makes his preferences known."
The US-China agreement to dial back triple-digit tariffs for 90 days prompted a massive relief rally in global stocks. But it did nothing to address the underlying reasons for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods, mainly longstanding US complaints about China's state-dominated, export-driven economic model, leaving those issues for future talks.
Since the mid-May deal, the Trump administration has concentrated on tariff negotiations with other major trading partners, including India, Japan and the European Union. Trump last week threatened 50 per cent tariffs on EU goods, only to delay that threat.
A US trade court on Wednesday ruled that Trump overstepped his authority in imposing the bulk of his tariffs on imports from China and other countries under an emergency powers act.
But less than 24 hours later, a federal appeals court reinstated the tariffs, saying it was pausing the trade court ruling to consider the government's appeal.
The appeals court ordered the plaintiffs to respond by June 5 and the administration to respond by June 9.
Bessent said earlier that some trading partners, including Japan, were negotiating in good faith and that he detected no changes in their postures as a result of the trade court ruling.
Bessent said he would meet with a Japanese delegation on Friday in Washington.
US trade talks with China are "a bit stalled" and getting a deal over the finish line will likely need the direct involvement of President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says.
Two weeks after breakthrough negotiations led by Bessent that resulted in a temporary truce in the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, Bessent told Fox News that progress since then has been slow, but said he expects more talks in the next few weeks.
"I believe we may at some point have a call between the president and party chair Xi," Bessent said.
"Given the magnitude of the talks, given the complexity ... this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other," he said.
"They have a good relationship, and I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table when President Trump makes his preferences known."
The US-China agreement to dial back triple-digit tariffs for 90 days prompted a massive relief rally in global stocks. But it did nothing to address the underlying reasons for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods, mainly longstanding US complaints about China's state-dominated, export-driven economic model, leaving those issues for future talks.
Since the mid-May deal, the Trump administration has concentrated on tariff negotiations with other major trading partners, including India, Japan and the European Union. Trump last week threatened 50 per cent tariffs on EU goods, only to delay that threat.
A US trade court on Wednesday ruled that Trump overstepped his authority in imposing the bulk of his tariffs on imports from China and other countries under an emergency powers act.
But less than 24 hours later, a federal appeals court reinstated the tariffs, saying it was pausing the trade court ruling to consider the government's appeal.
The appeals court ordered the plaintiffs to respond by June 5 and the administration to respond by June 9.
Bessent said earlier that some trading partners, including Japan, were negotiating in good faith and that he detected no changes in their postures as a result of the trade court ruling.
Bessent said he would meet with a Japanese delegation on Friday in Washington.
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'Unjustified': PM-Trump talks push after tariff hike
Pressure is again mounting for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to personally meet with Donald Trump amid fresh alarm over the US president's "unjustified" tariff hike on steel imports. Mr Trump on Saturday announced plans to increase tariffs on foreign imports of steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure the steel industry in the United States". The latest decision could impact Australia's industry, which exported more than $414 million worth of iron and steel to the US in 2024. Trade Minister Don Farrell says the tariffs are unjustified and not the act of a friend. "They are an act of economic self-harm that will only hurt consumers and businesses who rely on free and fair trade," Mr Farrell said on Saturday. "We will continue to engage and advocate strongly for the removal of the tariffs." 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Australia will continue to push for Mr Trump to drop his tariffs after a US federal court blocked his Liberation Day taxes on imported goods from going into effect. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency". Labor has sought to temper expectations on whether it can land a deal with the US to remove the tariffs. Pressure is again mounting for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to personally meet with Donald Trump amid fresh alarm over the US president's "unjustified" tariff hike on steel imports. Mr Trump on Saturday announced plans to increase tariffs on foreign imports of steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure the steel industry in the United States". The latest decision could impact Australia's industry, which exported more than $414 million worth of iron and steel to the US in 2024. Trade Minister Don Farrell says the tariffs are unjustified and not the act of a friend. "They are an act of economic self-harm that will only hurt consumers and businesses who rely on free and fair trade," Mr Farrell said on Saturday. "We will continue to engage and advocate strongly for the removal of the tariffs." Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said the latest move was concerning for Australian jobs and the coalition expected the US to honour its obligations under both nations' free trade agreement. "The Albanese government needs to double its efforts to protect our steel industry and local jobs for our steel workers," he said in a statement. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries." The US imported 289 product categories in 2024, costing $US147 billion ($A229 billion), with nearly two-thirds of those aluminium and one-third steel, according to Census Bureau data from the US International Trade Commission. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium were among the earliest implemented following Mr Trump's return to the White House in January and came into effect in March. Australia will continue to push for Mr Trump to drop his tariffs after a US federal court blocked his Liberation Day taxes on imported goods from going into effect. Goods from Australia are subject to a 10 per cent baseline tariff, while all steel and aluminium imports to the US face 25 per cent tariffs before Mr Trump's latest announcement. The New York-based Court of International Trade found the US president had overstepped his authority by imposing the tariffs. The administration launched an appeal, decrying "unelected judges" should not decide how to address a "national emergency". Labor has sought to temper expectations on whether it can land a deal with the US to remove the tariffs. Pressure is again mounting for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to personally meet with Donald Trump amid fresh alarm over the US president's "unjustified" tariff hike on steel imports. Mr Trump on Saturday announced plans to increase tariffs on foreign imports of steel from 25 to 50 per cent to "further secure the steel industry in the United States". The latest decision could impact Australia's industry, which exported more than $414 million worth of iron and steel to the US in 2024. Trade Minister Don Farrell says the tariffs are unjustified and not the act of a friend. "They are an act of economic self-harm that will only hurt consumers and businesses who rely on free and fair trade," Mr Farrell said on Saturday. "We will continue to engage and advocate strongly for the removal of the tariffs." Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said the latest move was concerning for Australian jobs and the coalition expected the US to honour its obligations under both nations' free trade agreement. "The Albanese government needs to double its efforts to protect our steel industry and local jobs for our steel workers," he said in a statement. "This is why it is imperative that the Australian prime minister personally meets with President Trump ... to develop a personal rapport with the United States president and protect Australian industries." 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The Advertiser
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Black-eyed Musk denies drug use as US govt tenure ends
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Musk responded, quickly moving on to take a question from another reporter. Sporting a bruise near his right eye, Musk also offered some levity during the press conference. When asked about the bruise, Musk blamed his five-year-old son, X. "II was joking around with little X, told him, 'Come on, punch me in the face', and he did," said Musk, adding that the mark had nothing to do with France. His comment referenced a viral incident earlier this week in which French First Lady Brigitte Macron was caught on camera slapping French President Emmanuel Macron during a public event. Initially, the White House and senior aides insisted Musk, the world's richest man, was a key figure who wasn't going anywhere. But more recently, they began pointing to the expiration of his 130-day mandate as a special government employee, which was set to end around Friday as a natural endpoint. 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Musk, who headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), disrupted numerous agencies across the federal bureaucracy but ultimately fell far short of the massive savings he had initially promised. A White House official on Wednesday said Musk would be leaving the administration. "Elon has worked tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations," Trump said on Friday from behind the Resolute Desk, as Musk stood to his right, wearing a black DOGE hat and a T-shirt that read "The Dogefather" in the style of the movie The Godfather. In recent days, Musk had prompted some frustration among White House officials by criticising Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill as too expensive. Some senior aides, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, saw Musk's remarks on the tax bill as an open break from the administration, with Miller particularly irked by the comments. There was no evidence of tension during the joint appearance on Friday, where Trump said Musk would continue to play a role in his administration. "Elon is really not leaving," Trump said. "He's going to be back and forth." Musk also addressed a New York Times report published on Friday, which alleged he used drugs "more intensely than previously known" during 2024's election campaign when he actively supported Trump. Citing anonymous sources, the report claimed Musk's drug use included ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, stimulants like Adderall, and large quantities of ketamine that allegedly began affecting his bladder. "Is that the same publication that won a Pulitzer for fake news about Russiagate? Is it the same one? I think it is!" Musk responded, quickly moving on to take a question from another reporter. Sporting a bruise near his right eye, Musk also offered some levity during the press conference. When asked about the bruise, Musk blamed his five-year-old son, X. "II was joking around with little X, told him, 'Come on, punch me in the face', and he did," said Musk, adding that the mark had nothing to do with France. His comment referenced a viral incident earlier this week in which French First Lady Brigitte Macron was caught on camera slapping French President Emmanuel Macron during a public event. Initially, the White House and senior aides insisted Musk, the world's richest man, was a key figure who wasn't going anywhere. But more recently, they began pointing to the expiration of his 130-day mandate as a special government employee, which was set to end around Friday as a natural endpoint. Musk has said he intends to devote most of his energy to his business empire, including Tesla and SpaceX, after some investors expressed concern that DOGE was occupying too much of his time. He has also said he plans to ratchet back his political spending, after he spent nearly $US300 million ($A467 million) backing Trump's presidential campaign and those of other Republicans in 2024. Musk initially claimed DOGE would slash at least $US2 ($A3.1) trillion in federal spending. Four months into its efforts, DOGE now estimates it has saved $US175 billion ($A272 billion). with EFE US President Donald Trump has praised billionaire Elon Musk's efforts to cut federal spending, as the Tesla boss departs his administration after a chaotic tenure that saw the elimination of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in contracts. Musk, who headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), disrupted numerous agencies across the federal bureaucracy but ultimately fell far short of the massive savings he had initially promised. A White House official on Wednesday said Musk would be leaving the administration. "Elon has worked tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations," Trump said on Friday from behind the Resolute Desk, as Musk stood to his right, wearing a black DOGE hat and a T-shirt that read "The Dogefather" in the style of the movie The Godfather. In recent days, Musk had prompted some frustration among White House officials by criticising Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill as too expensive. Some senior aides, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, saw Musk's remarks on the tax bill as an open break from the administration, with Miller particularly irked by the comments. There was no evidence of tension during the joint appearance on Friday, where Trump said Musk would continue to play a role in his administration. "Elon is really not leaving," Trump said. "He's going to be back and forth." Musk also addressed a New York Times report published on Friday, which alleged he used drugs "more intensely than previously known" during 2024's election campaign when he actively supported Trump. Citing anonymous sources, the report claimed Musk's drug use included ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, stimulants like Adderall, and large quantities of ketamine that allegedly began affecting his bladder. "Is that the same publication that won a Pulitzer for fake news about Russiagate? Is it the same one? I think it is!" Musk responded, quickly moving on to take a question from another reporter. Sporting a bruise near his right eye, Musk also offered some levity during the press conference. When asked about the bruise, Musk blamed his five-year-old son, X. "II was joking around with little X, told him, 'Come on, punch me in the face', and he did," said Musk, adding that the mark had nothing to do with France. His comment referenced a viral incident earlier this week in which French First Lady Brigitte Macron was caught on camera slapping French President Emmanuel Macron during a public event. Initially, the White House and senior aides insisted Musk, the world's richest man, was a key figure who wasn't going anywhere. But more recently, they began pointing to the expiration of his 130-day mandate as a special government employee, which was set to end around Friday as a natural endpoint. Musk has said he intends to devote most of his energy to his business empire, including Tesla and SpaceX, after some investors expressed concern that DOGE was occupying too much of his time. He has also said he plans to ratchet back his political spending, after he spent nearly $US300 million ($A467 million) backing Trump's presidential campaign and those of other Republicans in 2024. Musk initially claimed DOGE would slash at least $US2 ($A3.1) trillion in federal spending. Four months into its efforts, DOGE now estimates it has saved $US175 billion ($A272 billion). with EFE US President Donald Trump has praised billionaire Elon Musk's efforts to cut federal spending, as the Tesla boss departs his administration after a chaotic tenure that saw the elimination of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in contracts. Musk, who headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), disrupted numerous agencies across the federal bureaucracy but ultimately fell far short of the massive savings he had initially promised. A White House official on Wednesday said Musk would be leaving the administration. "Elon has worked tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations," Trump said on Friday from behind the Resolute Desk, as Musk stood to his right, wearing a black DOGE hat and a T-shirt that read "The Dogefather" in the style of the movie The Godfather. In recent days, Musk had prompted some frustration among White House officials by criticising Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill as too expensive. Some senior aides, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, saw Musk's remarks on the tax bill as an open break from the administration, with Miller particularly irked by the comments. There was no evidence of tension during the joint appearance on Friday, where Trump said Musk would continue to play a role in his administration. "Elon is really not leaving," Trump said. "He's going to be back and forth." Musk also addressed a New York Times report published on Friday, which alleged he used drugs "more intensely than previously known" during 2024's election campaign when he actively supported Trump. Citing anonymous sources, the report claimed Musk's drug use included ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, stimulants like Adderall, and large quantities of ketamine that allegedly began affecting his bladder. "Is that the same publication that won a Pulitzer for fake news about Russiagate? Is it the same one? I think it is!" Musk responded, quickly moving on to take a question from another reporter. Sporting a bruise near his right eye, Musk also offered some levity during the press conference. When asked about the bruise, Musk blamed his five-year-old son, X. "II was joking around with little X, told him, 'Come on, punch me in the face', and he did," said Musk, adding that the mark had nothing to do with France. His comment referenced a viral incident earlier this week in which French First Lady Brigitte Macron was caught on camera slapping French President Emmanuel Macron during a public event. Initially, the White House and senior aides insisted Musk, the world's richest man, was a key figure who wasn't going anywhere. But more recently, they began pointing to the expiration of his 130-day mandate as a special government employee, which was set to end around Friday as a natural endpoint. Musk has said he intends to devote most of his energy to his business empire, including Tesla and SpaceX, after some investors expressed concern that DOGE was occupying too much of his time. He has also said he plans to ratchet back his political spending, after he spent nearly $US300 million ($A467 million) backing Trump's presidential campaign and those of other Republicans in 2024. Musk initially claimed DOGE would slash at least $US2 ($A3.1) trillion in federal spending. Four months into its efforts, DOGE now estimates it has saved $US175 billion ($A272 billion). with EFE
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US court won't lift block on Trump's govt overhaul
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The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "The Ninth Circuit's decision today rightfully maintains the block on the Trump-Vance administration's unlawful, disruptive, and destructive reorganisation of the federal government," said a statement from the coalition of plaintiffs. The court said the administration had not provided any evidence it would suffer an irreparable injury if the lower court order remained in place and said plaintiffs were likely to prevail. "The executive order at issue here far exceeds the president's supervisory powers under the Constitution," said the majority opinion from Judge William Fletcher, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton. He was joined by Judge Lucy Koh, who was appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden. Illston's ruling was the broadest of its kind against the government overhaul that was spearheaded by Trump ally Elon Musk, the world's richest person and CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla. Along with blocking layoffs, Illston barred the Department of Government Efficiency from ordering job cuts or reorganisation at federal agencies. Dozens of lawsuits have challenged DOGE's work on various grounds, including claims that it violated labour and privacy laws and exceeded its authority, with mixed results. Two judges had separately ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees, who are typically newer hires and were fired en masse in February, but appeals courts paused those rulings. A US appeals court has refused to pause a judge's ruling blocking President Donald Trump's administration from carrying out mass layoffs of federal workers and a restructuring of government agencies as part of a sweeping government overhaul. The decision on Friday by the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals means that, for now, the Trump administration cannot proceed with plans to shed tens of thousands of federal jobs and shutter many government offices and programs. US District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco on May 22 blocked large-scale layoffs at about 20 federal agencies, agreeing with a group of unions, non-profits and municipalities that the president may only restructure agencies when authorised by Congress. A three-judge 9th Circuit panel on Friday denied the Trump administration's bid to stay Illston's decision pending an appeal, which could take months to resolve. The administration will likely now ask the US Supreme Court to pause the ruling. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "The Ninth Circuit's decision today rightfully maintains the block on the Trump-Vance administration's unlawful, disruptive, and destructive reorganisation of the federal government," said a statement from the coalition of plaintiffs. The court said the administration had not provided any evidence it would suffer an irreparable injury if the lower court order remained in place and said plaintiffs were likely to prevail. "The executive order at issue here far exceeds the president's supervisory powers under the Constitution," said the majority opinion from Judge William Fletcher, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton. He was joined by Judge Lucy Koh, who was appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden. Illston's ruling was the broadest of its kind against the government overhaul that was spearheaded by Trump ally Elon Musk, the world's richest person and CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla. Along with blocking layoffs, Illston barred the Department of Government Efficiency from ordering job cuts or reorganisation at federal agencies. Dozens of lawsuits have challenged DOGE's work on various grounds, including claims that it violated labour and privacy laws and exceeded its authority, with mixed results. Two judges had separately ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees, who are typically newer hires and were fired en masse in February, but appeals courts paused those rulings. A US appeals court has refused to pause a judge's ruling blocking President Donald Trump's administration from carrying out mass layoffs of federal workers and a restructuring of government agencies as part of a sweeping government overhaul. The decision on Friday by the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals means that, for now, the Trump administration cannot proceed with plans to shed tens of thousands of federal jobs and shutter many government offices and programs. US District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco on May 22 blocked large-scale layoffs at about 20 federal agencies, agreeing with a group of unions, non-profits and municipalities that the president may only restructure agencies when authorised by Congress. A three-judge 9th Circuit panel on Friday denied the Trump administration's bid to stay Illston's decision pending an appeal, which could take months to resolve. The administration will likely now ask the US Supreme Court to pause the ruling. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "The Ninth Circuit's decision today rightfully maintains the block on the Trump-Vance administration's unlawful, disruptive, and destructive reorganisation of the federal government," said a statement from the coalition of plaintiffs. The court said the administration had not provided any evidence it would suffer an irreparable injury if the lower court order remained in place and said plaintiffs were likely to prevail. "The executive order at issue here far exceeds the president's supervisory powers under the Constitution," said the majority opinion from Judge William Fletcher, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton. He was joined by Judge Lucy Koh, who was appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden. Illston's ruling was the broadest of its kind against the government overhaul that was spearheaded by Trump ally Elon Musk, the world's richest person and CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla. Along with blocking layoffs, Illston barred the Department of Government Efficiency from ordering job cuts or reorganisation at federal agencies. Dozens of lawsuits have challenged DOGE's work on various grounds, including claims that it violated labour and privacy laws and exceeded its authority, with mixed results. Two judges had separately ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees, who are typically newer hires and were fired en masse in February, but appeals courts paused those rulings. A US appeals court has refused to pause a judge's ruling blocking President Donald Trump's administration from carrying out mass layoffs of federal workers and a restructuring of government agencies as part of a sweeping government overhaul. The decision on Friday by the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals means that, for now, the Trump administration cannot proceed with plans to shed tens of thousands of federal jobs and shutter many government offices and programs. US District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco on May 22 blocked large-scale layoffs at about 20 federal agencies, agreeing with a group of unions, non-profits and municipalities that the president may only restructure agencies when authorised by Congress. A three-judge 9th Circuit panel on Friday denied the Trump administration's bid to stay Illston's decision pending an appeal, which could take months to resolve. The administration will likely now ask the US Supreme Court to pause the ruling. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "The Ninth Circuit's decision today rightfully maintains the block on the Trump-Vance administration's unlawful, disruptive, and destructive reorganisation of the federal government," said a statement from the coalition of plaintiffs. The court said the administration had not provided any evidence it would suffer an irreparable injury if the lower court order remained in place and said plaintiffs were likely to prevail. "The executive order at issue here far exceeds the president's supervisory powers under the Constitution," said the majority opinion from Judge William Fletcher, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton. He was joined by Judge Lucy Koh, who was appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden. Illston's ruling was the broadest of its kind against the government overhaul that was spearheaded by Trump ally Elon Musk, the world's richest person and CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla. Along with blocking layoffs, Illston barred the Department of Government Efficiency from ordering job cuts or reorganisation at federal agencies. Dozens of lawsuits have challenged DOGE's work on various grounds, including claims that it violated labour and privacy laws and exceeded its authority, with mixed results. Two judges had separately ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees, who are typically newer hires and were fired en masse in February, but appeals courts paused those rulings.
