On June 6, 2025, the Trump administration filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the justices to lift a lower court’s order that blocks its efforts to dismantle the Education Department and eliminate hundreds of jobs. The administration’s move is part of President Trump’s ongoing effort to fulfill his campaign promise to reduce the role of the federal government in education and shift more control to state-level policies.
The Administration’s Plan to Dismantle the Education Department
President Trump has long advocated for reducing federal involvement in education, arguing that school policies should be decided by states, not the federal government. In line with this belief, the Trump administration has taken steps to significantly downsize the Department of Education. In March 2025, an executive order directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to oversee the closure of the department, which includes laying off more than 1,300 workers.
This plan was part of the administration’s broader strategy to shrink the department’s size and scope. It included mass layoffs and voluntary buyouts, which would reduce the department’s workforce from 4,133 employees to 2,183. The goal is to transfer certain responsibilities, like student loans, to the Small Business Administration and special education services to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Legal Roadblocks and Court Decisions
However, the administration’s plan to cut jobs and close the department has faced legal challenges from Democratic-led states, school districts, and teachers’ unions. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun ruled that the firing of more than 1,300 workers would cripple the federal government’s ability to effectively implement legally required programs and services. Judge Joun emphasized that such changes could only be made with the approval of Congress, which established the Education Department in 1979.
The administration attempted to challenge this decision, but the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston supported Judge Joun’s ruling. The appeals court agreed that firing employees could undermine the department’s ability to perform its statutory duties, essentially halting any effort to reduce the department’s workforce or transfer its functions.
Trump Administration’s Appeal to the Supreme Court
Now, the Trump administration has turned to the Supreme Court, arguing that the executive branch, not the courts, should have the authority to determine how many employees are needed to run an agency. Solicitor General John Sauer, who represents the administration, argued that the decision about the number of employees and their duties should not be subject to judicial oversight.
The White House has requested the Supreme Court to lift the lower court’s block and allow the mass layoffs to proceed, despite the potential disruption of critical government services. The administration’s legal team contends that the Constitution gives the president the power to make these decisions without interference from the courts.
The Larger Debate on Federal Education Policy
This case has ignited a broader debate over the role of the federal government in education. Republicans, including President Trump, have long argued that the federal government exerts too much control over local and state education policies, despite the fact that the federal government does not control school curriculums. By dismantling the Education Department, the administration seeks to reduce federal influence and give more authority to state governments.
The Future of Education Services
If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the Trump administration, the Education Department will undergo a major reduction in size, with its responsibilities spread across other federal agencies. While the Department of Education was established to ensure that educational programs are effectively implemented, critics of the move argue that reducing its capacity could hinder essential services, particularly for disadvantaged students who rely on federal assistance.
The case remains one of the most high-profile legal battles regarding the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape federal government structures. As the nation waits for the Supreme Court’s decision, the outcome will likely have a lasting impact on the future of education policy in the United States.
