The Supreme Court has allowed President Trump’s administration to proceed with plans cutting nearly 50% of the Department of Education’s workforce—approximately 1,400 employees—overturning a lower court injunction. The decision aligns with Trump’s push to shrink federal oversight of education, returning power to states and local communities.
The 6–3 ruling falls along ideological lines, with liberal justices fiercely dissenting. Justice Sotomayor warned the move enables “legally questionable” executive action unchecked by Congress. Critics argue the cuts cripple the department’s ability to manage Pell Grants, enforce civil rights, and distribute aid. Proponents say these cuts restore accountability and reduce “bureaucratic bloat.”
The Supreme Court’s action lifts the preliminary injunction issued by Judge Myong Joun in Boston, who had paused the layoffs in May. That decision was prompted by lawsuits from 20 Democratic-led states, school districts, and teachers’ unions contending mass firings violated congressional statutes and hindered essential educational services.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the Department of Education will lay off or reassign around 1,400 staff members, most of whom had been placed on paid leave since March.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated the goal is to streamline operations, not dismantle the department entirely. The administration plans to shift key functions such as student loan oversight and civil rights enforcement to other agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Small Business Administration.
