Federal judge blocks Trump's dismantling of the Department of Education
Trump signs order to dismantle Department of Education
President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education, which he claims spends too much money for too little return.
SEATTLE - A Massachusetts federal judge on Thursday issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's dismantling of the Department of Education.
Washington and 20 other state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on March 13, after the President announced plans to lay off half the Department of Education staff. The coalition then filed a motion for preliminary injunction after President Trump signed an executive order to close the department. and transfer student loan management and special education to outside agencies.
What they're saying:
In an 88-page court order, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun granted the request for injunction, temporarily blocking the Trump administration from carrying out their dismantling of the department and ordering them to reinstate all employees fired during their sweeping layoffs.
"Today’s injunction supports the rule of law, and students and educators around the country," said Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown. "Our office will fight illegal and unconstitutional executive orders. And we will continue to win."
Big picture view:
In their arguments, the AGs asserted that Trump's move to eliminate the Department of Education is "illegal and unconstitutional," as it is an executive agency authorized by Congress — and only Congress has the authority to dismantle the department if they vote on it.
They further argued that mass layoffs at the department violate the Adminstrative Procedures Act.
The injunction shall remain in effect until a merits decision is reached in legal proceedings between the multi-state coalition and the Trump administration.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Washington State Attorney General's Office and court records from the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.
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