President Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate the Education Department, though that would need congressional approval|ajay_suresh|CC BY 2.0
The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with mass layoffs at the Education Department, blocking a lower court’s freeze on the plan.
The ruling clears the way for Secretary Linda McMahon to cut nearly 1,400 jobs—about half the department’s staff. McMahon said the decision helps return control of education to the states, a key goal of President Donald Trump.
The president has vowed to eliminate the department, though that would need congressional approval.
The court’s conservative majority issued the unsigned order without explanation, while the three liberal justices dissented. Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that the move empowers the executive branch to undermine laws by firing those tasked with enforcing them.
Democrats and education advocates argue the layoffs violate federal law and weaken the DOE’s ability to fulfill its legal duties.
A number of legal battles continue against the Trump administration’s education moves.
A number of legal battles continue against the Trump administration’s education moves.