The Trump administration is appealing to the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that hinders the restructuring of the Department of Education. The court’s decision has been described as placing a district court in a position similar to that of a cabinet member, limiting the ability to terminate operations, even with acknowledgment of necessary reductions.
On Wednesday, a federal appeals court upheld a judge’s order that blocked President Donald Trump from executing an order to close the department. In March, Trump stated that dissolving the Department of Education would give children a chance to escape what he termed a “system of failure.”
US District Judge Maying Jaune initially halted the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the DOE back in May. This ruling interrupted plans announced in March for significant layoffs within the department and mandated the reinstatement of those dismissed.
The DOE quickly contested Judge Jaune’s ruling. Maddie Biederman, the assistant deputy secretary of the DOE’s communications and outreach division, asserted that both President Trump and the Senate-confirmed education secretary have the authority to reorganize the agency.
Trump has signaled his intention to continue his efforts to disband the DOE if reelected. When he nominated Education Secretary Linda McMahon, he indicated her aim was to implement extensive changes. He cited poor educational outcomes as a reason for pursuing the closure of the department.
A recent national report card revealed that a troubling number of 10th graders are not proficient in reading, with results being lower than the report from 2022. The report highlighted that reading scores have undergone “significant changes” since 1992.
The administration is facing both political challenges and legal obstacles in its plan to eliminate the department. In February, attempts by several Democrats to access the D.C. Department of Education building were thwarted by staff members.
During that incident, Democrats criticized the Trump administration for lacking transparency in their actions.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
