What impact will cuts to the Department of Education have on students across America?

Supreme Court Ruling Paves the Way for Major Cuts to the Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education cannot legally be dissolved, but a recent Supreme Court decision has allowed the Trump administration to take a significant step toward that goal. On Monday, the Court lifted an injunction blocking efforts to scale back the agency, a move that could bring widespread changes affecting students across the country.

The ruling clears the way for the administration to proceed with laying off hundreds of department employees who had been on paid administrative leave for months. According to internal emails obtained by ABC News, the layoffs are set to take effect in August—just as schools nationwide prepare to welcome students for the new academic year.

A Shift Toward States’ Control Over Education

This decision aligns with President Trump’s long-stated goal of reducing federal government oversight and returning education authority to individual states. Supporters argue it will curb waste and inefficiency, but critics warn the cuts could have dire consequences for vulnerable student populations.

“This isn’t just about job losses,” said Dani Pierce, a former teacher and liaison for the Department of Education. “It’s about walking away from the students and programs that uphold equity and protect rights in schools nationwide.”

Concerns for Disadvantaged Students

Advocacy groups fear that slashing the department’s workforce by nearly half will undermine its ability to support low-income and disabled students. Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward, called the Supreme Court’s decision a “devastating blow” to the promise of public education for all.

The department oversees critical functions, including managing the $1.6 trillion federal student loan program and aiding underserved youth. Rachel Gittleman, a former program analyst, voiced concern that student loan borrowers will face even greater challenges navigating an already complex system.

Reactions From Both Sides of the Political Spectrum

While critics are alarmed, others welcome the move. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has assured that statutory programs, such as funding for students with disabilities, will continue under the Department of Health and Human Services. Student loan management could also shift to the Treasury Department.

Tiffany Justice, of The Heritage Foundation’s Parental Rights Initiative, hailed the decision as a victory for parents. “This is fantastic news that puts parents back in control of their children’s education,” she wrote on X.

Neal McCluskey of the Cato Institute echoed this sentiment, calling the department “unconstitutional and wasteful” and praising efforts to scale it back.

A Battle Over Federal Involvement in Education

Supporters of the cuts argue that education is a state responsibility and that federal oversight should be minimal. Wyoming State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder reinforced this view, saying her state shares Trump’s priorities.

“There’s no place for the U.S. Department of Education anymore,” Degenfelder told ABC News. “Education decisions belong with the states, as our founders intended.”

What’s Next for Students and Schools?

As the administration moves forward with the layoffs, questions remain about how federal responsibilities will be redistributed and whether students—particularly those most in need—will still receive vital support.

For now, the ruling has deepened the divide over the federal government’s role in education and sparked a national conversation about the future of public schooling in America.