Democratic Attorneys General Sue Trump Administration Over Education Department Layoffs
Nearly two dozen Democratic attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to block its efforts to lay off half of the Department of Education’s workforce. The suit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, comes just two days after the federal agency fired more than 1,300 employees, many of whom were responsible for tracking education quality, student achievement, and administering grants. The attorneys general argue that the layoffs are unconstitutional and aim to halt the administration’s broader effort to dismantle the Department of Education, a 45-year-old agency established by Congress.
President Trump has made no secret of his intention to eliminate the Department of Education, stating that Education Secretary Linda McMahon—who previously served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration during his first term—would be the last person to hold the position before the agency is shuttered. However, such a move would require congressional approval, and the attorneys general contend that the Trump administration lacks the authority to unilaterally dismantle a federal department created by Congress.
The Lawsuit and Its Goals
The lawsuit, which names President Trump, Secretary McMahon, and the Department of Education as defendants, alleges that the layoffs are part of a larger effort to undermine the agency’s mission and harm students. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is leading the suit, criticized the administration’s actions, stating, "This administration may claim to be stopping waste and fraud, but it is clear that their only mission is to take away the necessary services, resources, and funding that students and their families need." James emphasized that the layoffs will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income students and those with disabilities.
The attorneys general are asking the court to halt the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and to declare the layoffs unconstitutional. They argue that the administration’s actions are not only illegal but also reckless, as they threaten to deprive students of access to quality education and critical resources.
The Impact on Students and Families
Attorney General James described the layoffs as an "outrageous effort to leave students behind and deprive them of a quality education," calling the move "reckless and illegal." The lawsuit highlights the real-world consequences of the administration’s actions, particularly for low-income families and students with disabilities who rely on the Department of Education for support. By cutting jobs and reducing the agency’s capacity, the administration is effectively stripping away the resources and services that these students depend on to succeed.
The attorneys general also argue that the layoffs will harm the economy and the broader public interest by undermining the nation’s education system. They contend that the Department of Education plays a critical role in ensuring that all students have access to quality education, and that dismantling the agency would have long-term consequences for the country’s future.
A Coalition of States Unites Against the Trump Administration
New York is joined in the lawsuit by 20 other states and the District of Columbia, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. This coalition reflects the widespread opposition to the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and its commitment to protecting the rights of students and families.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, one of the plaintiffs, emphasized that the White House lacks the authority to unilaterally dismantle a federal department created by Congress. "Neither President Trump nor his Secretary have the power to demolish a congressionally-created department," Campbell said. "As Attorney General but most importantly as a mom, I will continue to hold this Administration accountable for illegal actions that harm our residents and economy." Campbell’s statement underscores the personal and professional stakes involved in the lawsuit, as well as the broader implications for the nation’s education system.
The Broader Context of Democratic Attorneys General Challenging Trump Policies
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges filed by Democratic attorneys general against the Trump administration. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, Democratic AGs have frequently sued to block executive orders and policy shifts, particularly in areas such as education, immigration, and healthcare. Several of the states involved in the current lawsuit have already challenged other changes in education policy, including a March 6 lawsuit filed in Massachusetts to stop cuts to grant programs for teachers. That suit is still pending.
The attorneys general have made it clear that they will continue to challenge the Trump administration’s actions in court, particularly when they believe those actions harm students, families, and the public interest. By filing this lawsuit, they are drawing a line in the sand and asserting their role as a check on executive power. Whether the courts will side with the attorneys general remains to be seen, but the lawsuit represents a significant effort to hold the Trump administration accountable for its actions.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Democratic attorneys general against the Trump administration over the layoffs at the Department of Education is a high-stakes legal battle with far-reaching implications. At its core, the case is about whether the executive branch can unilaterally dismantle a federal department created by Congress and whether the administration’s actions will harm students and families who rely on the Department of Education for critical services and resources.
The attorneys general argue that the layoffs are not only illegal but also reckless, as they threaten to deprive vulnerable students of the support they need to succeed. By filing this lawsuit, they are asserting their role as a check on executive power and seeking to protect the rights of students and families across the country. The outcome of this case could have significant consequences for the future of the Department of Education and the nation’s education system as a whole.
