WASHINGTON, July 15: The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump to move forward with his plan to dismantle the Education Department, including laying off nearly 1,400 employees.
The decision pauses a lower court injunction that had blocked the layoffs, which a judge said would “cripple” the department. The ruling, made without explanation, saw dissent from the court’s three liberal justices, who criticized it as enabling potentially unlawful executive action.
Trump hailed the ruling as a major victory, saying it allows functions to return “back to the states.” Education Secretary Linda McMahon supported the decision, emphasizing presidential authority over federal agencies. Critics, including civil rights and education groups, argue the move undermines public education and violates federal law.
A lawsuit challenging the legality of the plan continues.
The affected employees have been on paid leave since March. The case is part of a broader Trump effort to reduce the size and role of the federal government. (AP)