Supreme Court Backs Trump in Controversial Layoff of 1,400 Education Department Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 14, 2025 — In a significant ruling that could reshape federal education oversight, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday permitted President Donald Trump to move forward with the layoff of nearly 1,400 employees from the Department of Education. The decision lifts an injunction previously imposed by a lower federal court and reignites Trump's long-standing campaign promise to dismantle the department.

The 6-3 ruling, issued without a detailed explanation as is typical for emergency appeals, clears the way for the administration to resume efforts to phase out the agency. Liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented strongly.

Legal Showdown and Judicial Pushback

At the heart of the case is Trump’s controversial attempt to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, specifically targeting the Education Department for closure. The layoffs were initially paused in March after U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston issued a preliminary injunction, calling the move potentially illegal and warning it would “likely cripple the department.”

Joun’s order came in response to lawsuits filed by two Massachusetts school districts—Somerville and Easthampton—alongside the American Federation of Teachers and a coalition of 21 Democratic state attorneys general. They argued that the layoffs would violate statutory obligations requiring the department to enforce civil rights laws, distribute student financial aid, and support special education programs.

Despite these legal objections, the Supreme Court’s decision now gives the Trump administration the green light to proceed with what some critics call a radical dismantling of a core federal agency.

Liberal Dissent: “A Judiciary Failing Its Duty”

In a sharply worded dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor lambasted the majority for “expediting lawlessness.”

“When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it.”

She added that allowing the layoffs to proceed undermines the constitutional checks and balances that are fundamental to U.S. governance.

Education Employees Caught in Limbo

Since March, employees targeted for termination have remained on paid administrative leave. Judge Joun’s injunction prevented their dismissal, but they were not allowed to return to work. An internal department email earlier in June asked affected employees to disclose whether they had found other jobs, indicating a possible reintegration plan if the injunction remained in place.

The American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, which represents some Education Department staff, expressed concern about the human toll.

“These aren’t just numbers. These are real people with families, mortgages, and careers built around public service,” said a union spokesperson.

Background: Trump’s War on Federal Bureaucracy

Trump’s efforts to eliminate the Department of Education date back to his first presidential campaign in 2016. He has long argued that education should be entirely controlled by states, and federal oversight represents unnecessary government overreach.

The Education Department, established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, has since played a key role in enforcing federal education standards, managing student loans, and ensuring civil rights compliance in schools across the country.

Trump’s 2024 re-election platform renewed calls for its closure, citing budget cuts, administrative efficiency, and increased state autonomy as primary motivations. The layoffs represent a major step toward fulfilling that goal.

Reactions: Praise, Outrage, and Uncertainty

The ruling has sparked a firestorm of reactions across the political spectrum.

Conservative groups and libertarian think tanks praised the court's decision, calling it a win for federalism and smaller government.

“This is a long-overdue correction. Education should be returned to the states where it belongs,” said Roger Hale, policy director at the Freedom Coalition.

Meanwhile, educators, parents, and civil rights organizations expressed deep concern over the impact on vulnerable students and ongoing federal oversight responsibilities.

“This move endangers millions of students who rely on federal protections, particularly in special education and low-income areas,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

Democratic lawmakers pledged to fight back legislatively, introducing emergency bills aimed at protecting core Education Department functions.

What Happens Next?

With the injunction lifted, the Trump administration is now legally free to carry out the layoffs, which could begin as early as this week. However, the underlying lawsuits challenging the legality of closing the department entirely are still ongoing in lower courts.

If the plaintiffs succeed, the layoffs could be reversed or further restricted by future rulings. But for now, the administration is pushing forward with what appears to be the most aggressive federal workforce reduction in decades.

Whether the move will ultimately lead to the full dismantling of the Department of Education—or prompt a broader constitutional showdown over executive power—remains to be seen.

This story was first reported by The Associated Press.