Trump Appeals to Supreme Court to Shut Down Education Department
Trump Education Department Closure: President Trump asks Supreme Court to lift block on dismantling the Education Department.
The emergency appeal, filed June 6, argues the executive branch has authority to determine how many employees are needed in a federal agency and who should remain employed.
“The Constitution vests the Executive Branch, not district courts, with the authority to make judgments about agency staffing,” Solicitor General John Sauer wrote.
Over 1,300 employees had been placed on administrative leave since March 21 and were set to lose their pay on June 9.
Judge Blocks Layoffs, Says Congress Holds the Power
U.S. District Judge Myong Joun blocked the mass firings, stating that Trump cannot dissolve or cripple a federal agency without Congressional approval.
Joun emphasized that the decision to remove workers was impeding the department’s ability to uphold federally mandated services, especially in education equity and special education programs.
“The nearly half-century-old department must be allowed to carry out its statutorily assigned functions,” wrote 1st Circuit Judge David Barron.
Executive Order Targets Massive Overhaul
On March 20, Trump signed an executive order authorizing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to facilitate the closure of the department. The order outlined:
- Shrinking staff from 4,133 to 2,183
- Moving student loans to the Small Business Administration
- Shifting special education to Health and Human Services
But opponents argue this violates the Higher Education Act of 1965 and undermines federal oversight critical to civil rights protections and low-income school support.
Administration Ordered to Rehire Fired Workers
On May 22, Judge Joun ordered the administration to reinstate the fired workers and halt any function transfers. However, by June 5, states and school groups said none had been brought back.
The Justice Department insists rehiring the employees imposes a greater burden on the government than any harm caused by reduced services.
The Supreme Court gave the opposition until June 13 to respond.
Why the Education Department Still Matters
Despite the executive order, Congress created the Education Department in 1979, and it plays a vital role in:
- Protecting rights of students with disabilities
- Ensuring Title IV compliance on student aid
- Issuing regulations for college accountability
- Distributing billions in federal financial aid
Even if functions are transferred, these responsibilities must continue by law.
Source: USA Today
