**US Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump’s Plan to Dismantle Department of Education**
In a significant setback for the Trump administration, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on June 4, 2025, upheld a lower court’s injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. The ruling, led by Chief Judge David Barron, rejected the administration’s request to lift the order, which also mandates the reinstatement of over 1,300 employees fired in a mass layoff announced in March. This decision reinforces that only Congress can abolish the agency, established in 1979, dealing a blow to Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate it.
U.S. District Judge Myong Joun’s May 22 ruling found that the administration’s actions, including slashing half of the department’s 4,133 employees, were an illegal attempt to “effectively dismantle” the agency without congressional approval. The layoffs and plans to transfer functions like student loans to the Small Business Administration and special education to Health and Human Services were halted, citing irreparable harm to students, schools, and vulnerable populations. The appeals court agreed, noting the severe impact on the department’s ability to function, including delays in federal funding and disruptions to programs like FAFSA.
The administration, backed by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, argued the cuts were for efficiency, not closure, but Judge Joun dismissed this, stating there was “no evidence” of improved efficiency. Posts on X reflect divided sentiment, with some celebrating the ruling as a victory for public education, while others criticize it as judicial overreach. The Justice Department plans to escalate the case to the Supreme Court, signaling further legal battles ahead.
This ruling follows other judicial pushback, including a New Hampshire judge blocking the administration’s attempt to cut school funding over DEI programs. As the administration faces mounting legal challenges, the Department of Education remains intact, preserving its role in supporting civil rights, special education, and financial aid for millions of students.[](https://democracyforward.org/updates/appeals-court-maintains-block-on-unlawful-trump-vance-administration-plan-to-destroy-department-of-education/)[](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/04/trump-us-education-department-court-rules/84036272007/)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-cannot-proceed-with-gutting-us-education-department-court-rules-2025-06-04/)
