A federal judge in Boston has issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump's executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and reinstating the 1,300 employees who were laid off in March. The ruling, delivered on May 22 by U.S. District Judge Myong Joun, came in response to lawsuits filed by Massachusetts school districts, the American Federation of Teachers, and a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general.

The plaintiffs argued that the mass layoffs hindered the department's ability to fulfill its congressionally mandated responsibilities, including special education support, financial aid distribution, and civil rights enforcement. Judge Joun stated that the layoffs would likely "cripple" the department and rejected the administration's claim that the move was simply a reorganization.

In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the closure of the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise to reduce federal oversight in education. This order led to mass layoffs, affecting over 1,300 employees, nearly half of the department's workforce. The administration justified these actions as efforts to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic bloat.

The layoffs prompted immediate legal challenges. The coalition of attorneys general and education organizations contended that the executive branch lacked the authority to unilaterally dismantle a department established by Congress. They argued that such significant restructuring required legislative approval and that the abrupt layoffs violated the Administrative Procedures Act.

Judge Joun's ruling emphasized that the layoffs would likely "cripple" the department, rejecting the administration's claim that the move was merely a reorganization. He mandated the rehiring of dismissed employees, reversing what critics called an unlawful and disruptive action.

The Trump administration has appealed Judge Joun's ruling, maintaining that the executive order aimed to improve efficiency within the department. They argue that the reorganization falls within the executive branch's purview and is necessary to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.

The attempt to dismantle the Department of Education and the subsequent legal battles have significant implications for federal authority, the role of the executive branch, and the future of federal education policy. Education unions and advocacy groups have welcomed the court's decision, viewing it as a defense of educational integrity and service continuity.

This case also highlights the ongoing tension between the administration's efforts to reduce the size of the federal government and the legal and practical challenges of implementing such sweeping changes without congressional approval.

Judge Joun's injunction represents a significant check on executive authority, emphasizing the necessity of congressional approval for dismantling federal agencies. The outcome of the administration's appeal will have profound implications for the future of federal education policy and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.