Overview

• Judge Myong Joun issued a preliminary injunction against President Trump's executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, ruling it violated separation of powers by bypassing congressional authority.
• The court mandated the reinstatement of employees who were laid off as part of the administration's closure plan announced in March 2025.
• The injunction was sought by a coalition including school districts, teacher unions, and 20 states, who argued the closure would disrupt special education, financial aid, and civil rights enforcement.
• The judge highlighted the risk of irreparable harm, including financial insecurity and loss of essential services for vulnerable student populations, if the layoffs proceeded.
• Further legal proceedings will determine whether the administration can pursue restructuring or dissolution of the department, which provides critical federal funding for underfunded and special-needs programs.