Imagine waiting on a student loan decision with a deadline looming, only to find the department answering your call has lost half its staff.
On Thursday, Judge Myong Joun of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts blocked the Trump administration's plan to cut nearly 2,000 jobs—about half of the Department of Education's 4,000-strong workforce. He issued a preliminary injunction, stating the mass layoffs would effectively dismantle the department without authorization.
"The record abundantly reveals that defendants' true intention is to effectively dismantle the department without an authorizing statute," Joun wrote in his order. The judge added that the drastic cuts make it "effectively impossible" for the DOE to fulfill its legally mandated functions.
The administration argued that the layoffs were part of a broader effort to streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies and shift federal student loan management to the Small Business Administration. But opponents warned that slashing staff would disrupt everything from civil rights enforcement and research funding to grant processing and loan servicing.
Trump's drive: Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to kick-start the DOE's downsizing, claiming the department "has done us no good" despite billions in federal investment, and advocating for greater state-level control over education.
Why it matters: Federal agencies generally rely on Congress for creation or dismantling. This ruling underscores judicial checks on executive action—and its impact on students, schools and states. If the injunction stands, any major overhaul will need legislative approval.
Looking ahead: The case is set to move through the appeals process, where judges will weigh in on the balance of power between the White House and Congress. For students and policy watchers worldwide, the outcome offers a timely lesson in how executive orders can shape—or stall—public services.
Have thoughts? Drop a comment below and keep following for updates.
Reference(s):
Judge blocks Trump's bid to dismantle Department of Education
cgtn.com
