Court Blocks Trump Administration's Buyout Offer to Federal Employees
Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law attorney and Fox News contributor, expressed confusion after a federal judge extended a temporary restraining order on Monday, blocking the Trump administration's buyout offer to federal employees.
During an appearance on 'Fox & Friends' on Tuesday, Turley commented, "I think that Trump is on very solid ground with the buyout. I'm still a bit baffled by what the court is doing here." He emphasized that the offer is within the president's powers under Article II to control the executive branch.
Turley noted that the offer reached 65,000 employees who were told they could stay at home and look for jobs, provided they resigned. He questioned the constitutional basis for the court's decision and indicated that the president has the authority to make such determinations.
The restraining order follows a lawsuit by the legal group Democracy Forward, representing labor unions that argued the administration cannot handle the buyout payments. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) expressed concerns, stating the buyout offer is "arbitrary and capricious" and violates federal law.
Judge George O'Toole has not specified a timeline for a final decision regarding the matter.
