Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Proceed with Dismantling Department of Education

In a narrow 5-4 decision on July 14, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court permitted President Donald Trump's administration to proceed with plans to dismantle the Department of Education. This ruling lifts a previous injunction that had blocked the administration's efforts to lay off nearly 1,400 employees and transfer the department's functions to other federal agencies. The decision was issued without a detailed explanation, a practice often referred to as the "shadow docket."

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her dissent, criticized the ruling as a threat to the separation of powers. She stated, "When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it." Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan joined her in dissent.

The Department of Education, established in 1979, is responsible for administering federal grant programs, overseeing the federal student loan program, enforcing civil rights laws in education, and collecting educational statistics. Its functions include supporting low-income students through Title I funding and assisting students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

President Trump has long advocated for reducing federal involvement in education, arguing that education should be primarily managed by states and local communities. In March 2025, he signed an executive order directing the closure of the Department of Education and the transfer of its functions to other federal agencies. For instance, the administration proposed moving the federal student loan program to the Small Business Administration and programs for students with disabilities to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The administration's efforts faced immediate legal challenges. A coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general, along with various education groups, filed lawsuits arguing that dismantling the department would undermine its ability to support public education and enforce civil rights. A federal judge initially issued an injunction blocking the layoffs and reorganization. However, the Supreme Court's recent 5-4 decision lifted this injunction, allowing the administration to proceed.

Critics warn that dismantling the Department of Education could have severe consequences. Title I funding, which provides supplemental support to high-poverty K-12 schools, may be converted into state-managed block grants, potentially reducing support for public schools. Programs under IDEA could be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services, jeopardizing educational inclusion for students with disabilities. The federal student loan system, affecting over 40 million Americans, could face disruptions if moved to the Small Business Administration, an agency with no prior experience managing such programs. The Office for Civil Rights, responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination in education, is at risk. Layoffs and office closures could diminish enforcement of civil rights protections, particularly for marginalized groups.

Public opinion polls indicate that a majority of Americans oppose dismantling the Department of Education. A March 2025 Economist/YouGov poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe the department should be expanded or kept the same. Another poll by Quinnipiac University found that 60% of voters opposed Trump's plan to eliminate the agency. Opposition is particularly strong among Democrats and Independents, while Republicans are more divided on the issue.

Democratic lawmakers and education advocates have strongly criticized the administration's actions. Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington) stated, "Trump and [Elon] Musk are taking a wrecking ball to the Department of Education... Destroying public education in America — and robbing our students and families of critical funding." Representative Bobby Scott (D-Virginia), ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, warned that the executive order would exacerbate existing disparities among low-income students, students of color, and others.

Efforts to reduce or eliminate the Department of Education have been part of conservative agendas for decades. However, such attempts have faced significant opposition and have not been successful. The current administration's actions represent the most substantial effort to dismantle the department since its establishment. The use of the Supreme Court's "shadow docket" to facilitate this process has also raised concerns about transparency and the balance of powers.

The Supreme Court's decision to allow the Trump administration to proceed with dismantling the Department of Education marks a pivotal moment in U.S. education policy. As the administration moves forward with its plans, the nation faces critical questions about the future of federal involvement in education and the potential impact on students, particularly those from marginalized communities.