Trump’s Plan to Dismantle Education Department Gets Supreme Court Approval
In a controversial move, the U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for Trump’s plan to significantly downsize the Department of Education. The court, which had a conservative majority, lifted a lower court’s stay on mass layoffs. This lets the Trump administration start making big cuts to education again. Trump has long called the department unnecessary and wasteful, so this is a big win for him.
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Backlash
The court’s order, which was not signed, lifted the legal block that had stopped the downsizing. Trump wants to cut the number of people who work for the department by almost half. But three liberal justices—Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson—did not agree.
Justice Sotomayor argued that “only Congress has the power to abolish the Department.” She warned that the decision threatens the Constitution’s separation of powers.
Legal and Public Resistance Grows
People all over the country are strongly against Trump’s plan. Twenty state governments, unions, and teachers filed lawsuits. They said that the executive branch had gone too far with its power. In May, a federal judge ordered that fired workers be brought back to work. This made it seem like the layoffs were stopped.
But the Supreme Court’s new ruling cancels that one. Because of this, the Trump administration can continue with its larger plan to cut the number of federal employees..
Education Cuts Could Harm Vulnerable Students
While the federal government contributes only 13% of K–12 funding, it plays a crucial role. It supports low-income schools, students with special needs, and enforces civil rights protections.
Critics argue that Trump’s plan could severely harm these students. Many say the Education Department’s elimination would leave a gap in vital services.
Wider Government Downsizing Underway
Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who was appointed by Trump, was told to “put herself out of a job.” This directive shows how serious the administration is about eliminating the department.
The cuts are part of a larger effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Formerly led by Elon Musk, DOGE is now driving efforts to shut down other agencies like USAID and diversity initiatives.
Long-Term Impact Remains Unclear
People are getting more and more worried as Trump moves forward with his plan to cut back. Some people say that schools that don’t get enough money and students who are already in danger will be the hardest hit. A lot of people think that the effects of these changes could last a long time and be very bad for the future of American education.
