President Donald Trump's administration says federal agencies should begin planning to eliminate employee positions. The process is known as a reduction in force.

The order by Judge William Alsup, who called the OPM directive "illegal," does not reinstate any recently dismissed government employees, but it could affect future attempts at firings.

By Trevor Hunnicutt, Alexandra Alper and Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday laid the groundwork for more large-scale layoffs, as downsizing czar Elon Musk pledged that he would move quickly to slash spending.