Twenty states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the dismissal of approximately 1,300 Department of Education employees.
The plaintiffs argue that the layoffs effectively dismantle the department, overstepping the executive branch's authority, as only Congress has the power to abolish or alter federal agencies. The lawsuit names President Trump, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and the Department of Education as defendants. It claims the staff reductions severely hinder the department's ability to manage student loans, distribute school funding, and enforce civil rights, negatively impacting states and their residents.
The plaintiffs seek to halt the layoffs, asserting they are unconstitutional and illegal, as the executive branch cannot incapacitate an agency by removing essential personnel. The lawsuit was filed in Massachusetts federal court. This follows a prior legal challenge against cuts to teacher training programs. The White House and Department of Education have not yet commented.