The order declares that employees will only attain full employment status if their managers review and sign off on their performance, adding a new obstacle for probationary workers to clear.

The judge suggested during a hearing Wednesday that the administration's moves appear targeted toward unions that have opposed his agenda.

Collective bargaining rights for employees at several government agencies is protected, for now. United States District Judge Paul Friedman — an appointee of former President Bill Clinton — issued a two-page order temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s executive order rescinding collective bargaining rights for government union members.