States Sue Trump Administration Over Mass Layoffs at Department of Education

California and 20 other states argue the layoffs of half the department's workforce are unconstitutional and threaten critical education programs.

The Trump administration has laid off approximately 1,300 employees from the Department of Education, reducing its workforce by 50% to fulfill a campaign promise to downsize the federal government.
California and 20 other states have filed a lawsuit claiming the layoffs violate the U.S. Constitution and incapacitate the department from fulfilling its statutory duties, including administering financial aid and enforcing civil rights laws.
Critics warn the cuts could disrupt funding for programs like special education, Pell Grants, and Title I, which support millions of low-income and disabled students across the U.S.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon claims the cuts aim to improve efficiency, but experts and educators argue they jeopardize the department's ability to oversee vital programs and ensure accountability.
The layoffs are part of broader federal workforce reductions under Trump, which have led to widespread confusion, legal challenges, and concerns about the impact on public services.