Judge Questions Trump Administration Over Mass Layoffs at Education Department

A federal judge in Boston sharply criticized the Trump administration’s defense of its decision to terminate over 1,300 U.S. Department of Education employees, following legal challenges from Democratic-led states. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun, appointed by President Joe Biden, expressed skepticism during Friday’s hearing, questioning whether the administration’s mass layoffs were an unlawful attempt to dismantle the department without congressional approval.

Democratic attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia, along with school districts and teachers' unions, argue that the cuts cripple essential operations, including federal education funding, student loan management, and civil rights enforcement. Rabia Muqaddam, representing New York Attorney General Letitia James, said the layoffs have already severely damaged the agency’s ability to fulfill its legal obligations.

The Trump administration contends the layoffs, announced on March 11 by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, are part of a lawful effort to reduce "bureaucratic bloat," not a move to abolish the department. Eric Hamilton, a Justice Department lawyer, argued the agency remains operational and would only close through legislation, as outlined in an executive order signed by President Trump last month.

Judge Joun, however, likened the situation to a customer wanting coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts, emphasizing the public’s expectation for essential services rather than focusing on staffing decisions. He suggested the administration's rationale may not justify the drastic cuts.

The court is now weighing whether to block the layoffs amid growing concerns over the department’s ability to serve millions of Americans relying on federal education programs.