A federal judge has ruled that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) cannot proceed with mass layoffs or delete data while a lawsuit challenges the agency's dismantling under the Trump administration. This ruling comes amid widespread protests and pushback from CFPB employees who argue that the agency is crucial for consumer protection. Several employees have already been terminated, causing fears of a significant reduction in the agency's capabilities to oversee financial practices. The court order prevents any further actions until a hearing on March 3, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the agency's future.