Supreme Court Authorizes Trump Administration's Plan to Lay Off Education Department Workers

On July 14, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, authorized the Trump administration to proceed with plans to lay off nearly 1,400 employees from the Department of Education. This ruling overturned a previous injunction by U.S. District Judge Myong Joun, who had blocked the layoffs, expressing concerns that such reductions could "cripple the department."

The administration's initiative aims to decentralize federal control over education, transferring responsibilities such as student loan management to the Treasury Department and workforce training grants to the Department of Labor. Critics, including civil rights and education advocates, warn that this downsizing jeopardizes protections for vulnerable student populations and risks delays in student aid services.

The Supreme Court's decision allows the administration to continue its restructuring efforts while legal challenges proceed in lower courts. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan, dissented, stating that the court's action enables the administration to "proceed with dismantling the Department."

This development is part of President Trump's broader agenda to reduce the size of the federal government and shift authority over education to state and local levels. The Department of Education, established in 1979, oversees federal student loans, grants, and civil rights enforcement in education.

The Supreme Court's recent decision marks a significant development in the Trump administration's efforts to restructure the Department of Education. While proponents argue for increased efficiency and state autonomy, critics raise concerns about the potential negative impact on vulnerable student populations and the overall quality of education in the United States.