Supreme Court Backs Trump's Move to Dismantle Department of Education

On July 14, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, authorized the Trump administration to proceed with mass layoffs at the Department of Education, effectively advancing the president's agenda to dismantle the federal agency and transfer its core functions to other departments.

This ruling allows the dismissal of nearly 1,400 employees and facilitates the administration's plan to redistribute the department's responsibilities, including the management of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan program, to other federal agencies. The decision has sparked a contentious debate over the future of federal involvement in education and the potential impact on students and educational institutions nationwide.

Established in 1979, the U.S. Department of Education oversees federal assistance to education, collects data on schools, and enforces federal educational laws regarding privacy and civil rights. It manages significant programs, including the federal student loan portfolio, Title I funding for disadvantaged schools, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the closure of the Department of Education to the maximum extent allowed by law, aiming to transfer its responsibilities to other federal agencies. This initiative faced legal challenges, leading to a lower court's injunction that temporarily halted the layoffs. The Supreme Court's recent decision lifts this injunction, allowing the administration to proceed with its plans.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon outlined the redistribution of the department's core functions:

• Federal Student Loans: Management of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio will be transferred to the Treasury Department.

• Workforce Training Grants: These will be moved to the Department of Labor.

• Civil Rights Enforcement: Responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) may shift to the Department of Health and Human Services, while other civil rights enforcement duties could be transferred to the Department of Justice.

Proponents argue that dismantling the Department of Education will return educational authority to individual states, allowing for more localized and effective decision-making. Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised the ruling, stating it confirmed the president's right to make such decisions.

Critics, including Democratic attorneys general, school districts, and unions, express concerns that the shutdown could hinder critical department functions such as financial aid distribution, civil rights enforcement, and support for students with disabilities. Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned of severe consequences, including diminished support for vulnerable students.

Efforts to reduce or eliminate the Department of Education have been part of conservative agendas for decades, with arguments centered on reducing federal oversight and returning control to states. However, such efforts have faced significant opposition due to concerns about maintaining consistent educational standards and protections nationwide.

The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant shift in federal education policy, with the potential to reshape the landscape of educational governance in the United States. As the administration moves forward with its plans, the nation watches closely to assess the impact on students, educators, and institutions across the country.