US Judge Halts Planned Farm Agency Office Closures And Relocations

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture from closing offices and relocating employees while a lawsuit filed by worker unions proceeds.

U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria found it “overwhelmingly likely” that the agency violated congressional restrictions. He ruled that Congress had not authorized the USDA to use appropriated funds to shut down offices or relocate staff.

The reorganization, initiated under President Donald Trump’s 2025 “critical transformation” order, sought to relocate approximately 2,600 employees from the Washington region and consolidate offices nationwide.

However, the ruling may be temporary. The current appropriations cycle expires in about two months, potentially allowing the administration to revive the reorganization if Congress approves future funding.

Related Tweet:

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the US Department of Agriculture from proceeding with its planned agency reorganization, in a blow to President Donald Trump's sweeping overhaul of the executive branch. https://t.co/PQRVYF3h7M

— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) October 14, 2026

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