The Supreme Court has granted President Donald Trump permission to proceed with his plan to dismantle the Education Department and lay off nearly 1,400 employees. This decision comes after a U.S. District Judge in Boston had issued an injunction halting the layoffs, citing concerns about the department’s future.
Despite the dissent of three liberal justices, the Supreme Court’s ruling allows the administration to move forward with its plan to downsize the department, a key promise of Trump’s campaign. Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized her colleagues for enabling what she deemed as unlawful actions by the administration.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, emphasizing the president’s authority over federal agency operations. This victory adds to a series of successful legal battles Trump has faced in his efforts to reshape the government.
In a separate development, over 20 states have filed a lawsuit against the administration over frozen funding for education programs such as after-school care and summer programs.
Employees affected by the layoffs have been on paid leave since March, with their termination postponed due to the court order. The Education Department is now working on reintegrating these employees, following the Supreme Court’s decision.
The case, involving two consolidated lawsuits, argued that Trump’s plan to downsize the Education Department was illegal and prevented the agency from fulfilling its congressional duties, including supporting special education, distributing financial aid, and enforcing civil rights laws.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding the administration’s efforts to overhaul federal agencies.
