Forward with Purpose, Determined with Action

We have a promising update regarding the case for which AGU is one of the plaintiffs. In AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO, et al., v. Donald J. Trump et al., Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted the request for a preliminary injunction, which blocks the government from executing any of their reduction-in-force (RIFs) and reorganization plans until the case comes to a full resolution. This order is the largest and most significant setback to the President’s authority to reorganize the government without Congressional approval.  

In her ruling Judge Illston stated: “Congress creates federal agencies, funds them, and gives them duties that—by statute—they must carry out. Agencies may not conduct large-scale reorganizations and reductions in force in blatant disregard of Congress’s mandates, and a President may not initiate large-scale executive branch reorganization without partnering with Congress.”  

And just this past Friday a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to freeze Judge Illston’s ruling. This further pauses Administration-led efforts to cut a wide swath of the federal workforce—a downsizing that could have significant ripple effects on everything from the nation’s food-safety system to veterans health care.  

The order applies to the departments of Agriculture, Commerce (including NOAA), Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior (including USGS), Labor, State, Treasury, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs. It also applies to AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, the Environmental Protection Agency, the General Services Administration, the National Labor Relations Board, the National Science Foundation, the Small Business Administration and the Social Security Administration, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Department of Government Efficiency. 

AGU also recently took steps to push back against the White House’s directive to the Office of Personal Management (OPM). The proposed rule would create a new category of federal workers deemed to be “policy-influencing.” This rule would allow these employees, which would include many scientists, to be fired without historical and congressionally mandated civil service protections for not advancing or supporting Presidential views. 

In our formal comment on the rule, AGU called out the imminent threat to scientific integrity and independence that arises from federal scientists being unable to perform their work without fear of retaliation or political interference.   

These career scientists play an essential role in upholding science-based, evidence-driven policy that serves the American public. They are bound by law, ethical codes, and institutional norms that emphasize data integrity, analytical rigor, and procedural fairness. Their responsibility to question political directives— when such directives conflict with evidence or the public interest—is a vital safeguard that ensures government decisions are not based solely on short-term political expediency. 

The increased likelihood of politically motivated firings, suppressed independent scientific research, and weakened merit-based civil service protections could also have severe consequences for the American public’s health, safety, and well-being.  

With all of this as a backdrop, it is more important than ever that we clearly, consistently and forcefully make our concerns known to elected officials in both parties. 

This week, more than 100 scientists from 30+states stretching from Alaska to Florida will do just that by coming together in Washington, D.C., for AGU’s Days of Action. AGU staff are providing training and resources so that AGU members can meet directly with their legislators in Congress to advocate for robust science funding, including the protection of our federal scientific agencies and federal employees. And even if you are not on the Hill with them, you can join virtually here and share your voice and views with your representative. 

We are moving forward and moving science with us. There will still be bumps on the road and challenges in our way, but together we remain unstoppable.  

Please consider supporting AGU here to ensure we can continue to act effectively in meeting all these crucial moments. Thank you for your power, passion, and purpose.