'Major victory for students and parents': Trump's education department dismantling plans get SC nod: 1,400 to lose jobs

The US Supreme Court has given the green light to President Donald Trump's plan to dismantle the federal education department, allowing the administration to move forward with laying off nearly 1,400 employees.In a 6-3 decision on Monday, the justices paused a lower court ruling that had temporarily blocked the layoffs. The order, issued by US District Judge Myong Joun in Boston, had reversed the dismissals and raised doubts about Trump’s broader plan to shut down the department.The high court’s decision now allows the administration to resume one of Trump’s campaign pledges to dismantle the education department and shift its responsibilities back to individual states.

Liberal justices dissent

The court’s three liberal justices dissented from the majority ruling, expressing concern over the impact of the layoffs and the wider implications for federal oversight of education.The Biden-appointed Judge Joun had previously granted a preliminary injunction against the move, saying it could cause “irreparable harm” to thousands of students and families who rely on federal education services. His ruling questioned the legality of bypassing Congress in shutting down a federal agency and freezing its operations.Trump responded to the ruling on social media, calling it a win for his education agenda. “This is a major victory for students and parents,” he wrote. “The failing Education Department will now go BACK TO THE STATES.”The administration has argued that states are better equipped to manage education without federal intervention and that local control would lead to more effective and tailored learning policies. Critics, however, say dismantling the department could leave millions of students without consistent oversight, especially in underserved communities.