Democratic States File Lawsuit Against Trump Administration for Disassembling Education Department

A coalition of nearly two dozen Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Thursday, aiming to prevent the planned layoffs of half the Department of Education‘s workforce.

This legal action follows the recent termination of over 1,300 employees by the federal agency, with a focus on those responsible for monitoring education quality and student outcomes, as well as managing grants.

The lawsuit, submitted in a federal court in Massachusetts, argues that the layoffs are unconstitutional and seeks to stop the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the department. President Trump has expressed his desire for Education Secretary Linda McMahon—a former wrestling executive and Small Business Administrator during his initial term—to be the final person to occupy that role before closing down the 45-year-old agency, which would necessitate congressional action.

“This administration may claim to be eliminating waste and fraud, but their true agenda seems to be stripping away essential services, resources, and funding needed by students and families,” stated New York Attorney General Letitia James while announcing the lawsuit.

James noted that the layoffs would particularly impact students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities.

“This outrageous initiative to neglect students and deny them a quality education is both reckless and illegal,” James added.

Joining New York in this lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

Throughout the initial weeks of the Trump administration, Democratic attorneys general have frequently initiated lawsuits in response to a series of executive orders and changes in federal policy.

Several states have previously contested other modifications in education policy, including a March 6 lawsuit filed in Massachusetts aimed at halting reductions in grant programs for teachers.

That lawsuit remains unresolved.