Democratic States sue Trump admin. over education department closure

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Mar 2025 17:35

The lawsuit, filed Thursday, argues that President Donald Trump's directive to dismantle the department violates the US Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY., center, and fellow Democrats, from left, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., criticize President Donald Trump for his plan to shut down the Education Department, during a news conference at the Capitol, in Washington, Thursday, March 6, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Nearly 20 Democratic-led states, along with the District of Columbia, have launched a legal battle against the Trump administration in an effort to stop the dissolution of the Department of Education.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday, argues that President Donald Trump's directive to dismantle the department violates the US Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

The Department of Education had already begun implementing a workforce reduction plan earlier in March, resulting in the termination of over 1,300 employees and nearly 600 voluntary resignations—effectively slashing its workforce by 50%.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump is set to sign an executive order formalizing the department's abolition. However, dismantling a federal agency created by Congress requires legislative approval, a significant hurdle given the political landscape.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed that widespread layoffs are part of a broader strategy to phase out the department entirely, stating that "the forthcoming mass redundancies in the department are the first step toward complete closure."

She defended the decision by arguing that reducing federal oversight would allow states greater control over education funding and policy.

Education Battle

Trump has long advocated for shutting down the Department of Education, claiming it has been dominated by ideological factions. His campaign previously pledged to eliminate the agency, contending that it had been overrun by "radicals, zealots, and Marxists."

The administration argues that decentralizing education policy would enhance efficiency and direct more resources to schools.

Critics, however, warn that dismantling the department could have severe consequences, particularly for federal education funding programs that support low-income and special education students.

The lawsuit contends that the department's closure would hinder its ability to enforce civil rights laws and administer federal student aid programs, affecting millions of students across the country.