On May 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump's executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The ruling also mandated the reinstatement of approximately 1,300 employees who had been laid off in March as part of the administration's efforts to reduce the department's size.

The legal challenge was initiated by Massachusetts school districts, the American Federation of Teachers, and a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general. The plaintiffs argued that the layoffs and the proposed dismantling hindered the department's ability to fulfill its congressionally mandated responsibilities, including special education support, financial aid distribution, and civil rights enforcement.

In his order, Judge Joun stated that the layoffs would likely "cripple" the department and rejected the administration's claim that the move was merely a reorganization. He emphasized that the executive branch does not have the authority to unilaterally dismantle a department created by Congress without legislative approval.

The Trump administration has appealed the ruling, maintaining that the changes aimed to improve efficiency. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon described the layoffs as a step toward fulfilling Trump's campaign promise to shut down the department and return education control to states.

Education unions and advocacy groups welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a defense of educational integrity and service continuity. The American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, among others, had expressed concerns that dismantling the department would disproportionately harm marginalized communities, including students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds.

This legal battle is part of a series of actions by the Trump administration targeting the Department of Education. In March 2025, the administration sought to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for teacher training programs, particularly those supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move faced legal challenges from eight Democratic-led states, arguing that the cuts violated federal law. The U.S. Supreme Court later ruled in favor of the administration, allowing the funding cuts to proceed.

The ruling underscores the legal boundaries of executive power in dismantling federal agencies established by Congress. It also highlights concerns about how the proposed dismantling of the Department of Education could affect students with disabilities, low-income families, and minority communities.

The Trump administration has appealed the ruling, maintaining that the changes aimed to improve efficiency.