Trump Gets Sued By Who?

Trump Administration Faces Legal Battle Over Department of Education Cuts

Attorneys General File Lawsuit Against Education Workforce Reductions

In a highly contested move, New York Attorney General Letitia James, backed by attorneys general from 20 additional states, has filed a lawsuit opposing the Trump administration’s significant cuts to the Department of Education (ED). The administration recently announced plans to reduce the ED workforce by approximately 50%, emphasizing goals of reducing government waste, enhancing efficiency, and returning educational control to parents and local communities.

Impact on Education Quality and Equity

Attorney General James argues that such extensive cuts could negatively impact millions of students, particularly those who depend on federal resources for special education, rural education programs, and financial aid. Critics assert these cuts will disproportionately affect low-income students and students with disabilities, potentially reducing access to Pell Grants, student loans, and other essential financial assistance programs.

Federal Education Funding at Stake

Currently, the Department of Education serves over 50 million K-12 students nationwide and manages programs across approximately 18,200 school districts. It also supports more than 12 million post-secondary students annually. In New York state alone, federal education funding accounts for approximately $6.17 billion per year—more than $2,400 per student. The lawsuit warns that significant reductions in federal education funding could increase financial pressures on families, raise higher education costs, and limit educational opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

Questions of Legal Authority and Civil Rights

The lawsuit specifically challenges whether the Trump administration has the legal authority to implement such dramatic changes without explicit congressional approval. Attorney General James and her coalition argue the administration’s actions threaten the educational equity and civil rights protections enforced by the ED’s Office of Civil Rights. They stress the importance of maintaining federal oversight to ensure fair and nondiscriminatory access to education for all students.

Widespread Opposition Across Multiple States

Joining New York in the legal action against the proposed education department cuts are states including Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin. This broad coalition underscores nationwide concern regarding the administration’s education reform strategy.

Next Steps in the Legal Battle

The lawsuit seeks a federal injunction to stop the proposed workforce reductions immediately, setting the stage for an intense legal debate over federal education policy’s future and government’s role in educational funding and oversight.