The Supreme Court ruled Monday that President Donald Trump can move ahead with his plan to carry out mass layoffs at the Department of Education. The ruling came in the form of an unsigned order that lifted a lower court block. This allows the administration to resume its plan to cut the department’s workforce in half. Emails were sent within hours to fired workers informing them they would officially be let go by August 1.

Judge Myong Joun had earlier halted the layoffs. He said the agency cannot be dismantled without Congress. His ruling favored a lawsuit from unions school districts and education advocates. But Trump appealed and the Supreme Court sided with him. The president said this decision gives power back to the states and puts students and families first.

Fierce Debate Over Power And Education Control

Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented strongly from the ruling. She said it threatens the Constitution’s balance of powers. Liberal justices warned the decision gives presidents too much control over federal agencies. 

“The United States Supreme Court has handed a Major Victory to Parents and Students across the Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised the court for letting the administration move forward. She said the layoffs are needed for efficiency and better service to students.