UNITED STATES (LOOTPRESS) – A federal judge in Massachusetts has issued an injunction preventing the Trump administration from shutting down the U.S. Department of Education and ordered the reinstatement of more than 1,300 employees who were recently fired.
U.S. District Judge Myong Joun ruled Thursday that the administration’s attempt to dismantle the department without congressional approval violates the law. “The Department cannot be shut down without Congress’s approval,” Joun wrote in his decision, adding that the record “abundantly reveals” the administration’s intent to bypass legal requirements.
The injunction halts President Trump’s March 2025 executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin closing the department and transferring key functions, including management of federal student loans and special education services.
Judge Joun emphasized the potential harm caused by the administration’s actions, citing declarations from educators, unions, and institutions. “The record is replete with evidence of irreparable harm,” he wrote, including financial instability, delays in services, and reduced access to essential educational resources, especially for vulnerable student populations.
He also pointed out inconsistencies in the administration’s justification. While officials claimed the firings were intended to improve efficiency, Joun said there is “no evidence” the department has become more effective. “Rather, the record shows the Department was already struggling to meet its goals, and this reduction in force will likely cripple its operations,” he noted.
The judge’s ruling restores the department to its previous state and blocks further implementation of the president’s directive to shut it down.
The White House and the Department of Education have condemned the ruling and signaled plans to appeal.
“This is a misguided decision from a far-left judge,” said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields. “The President and his Secretary of Education have the authority to reorganize federal agencies. We will appeal and expect to prevail.”
Education Department spokesperson Madi Biedermann echoed that sentiment, calling the decision a political overreach. “Once again, a far-left judge has dramatically overstepped his authority based on biased complaints,” she said. “This ruling is not in the best interest of American students or families.”
Meanwhile, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, which is among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, praised the judge’s action.
“This ruling rightly rejects one of the administration’s first illegal and harmful acts — eliminating the federal role in education,” Weingarten said. “It’s a crucial step in protecting the right to knowledge and opportunity for all.”
The administration filed a formal notice of appeal Thursday afternoon.
