US Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Dismantle Education Department
The US Supreme Court has lifted a lower court's order, clearing the way for President Donald Trump's administration to proceed with dismantling the Department of Education. The move, part of a plan to reduce the federal government's role and give states more control, involves mass layoffs and transferring key functions like the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to other agencies. Critics warn this could cripple the department's ability to perform core duties and enforce civil rights in schools.
Unpacked:
Key functions being moved include the management of the federal student loan portfolio, which is slated for transfer to other federal agencies. Programs for students with special needs are also being relocated, though the receiving agencies have not been definitively specified in public reports.
The President, as head of the Executive Branch, has broad authority over staffing levels and administrative organization of federal agencies. However, fully abolishing a department requires an act of Congress. The Supreme Court’s ruling allows the President to proceed with layoffs and restructuring while legal and legislative battles continue.
Critics argue that dismantling the Department could undermine enforcement of civil rights in schools, disrupt the administration of federal student aid, and harm vulnerable populations such as students with disabilities. They warn that eliminating federal oversight may increase disparities in education quality among states.
Congress has historically resisted efforts to abolish the Department, with bipartisan support for maintaining a strong federal role in education. Although a new bill was recently introduced to eliminate the department, previous attempts were blocked, and many Republicans joined Democrats in opposing abolition.