What is the main argument presented by the coalition of states and Washington, D.C. in their lawsuit against the Trump administration's Education Department layoffs?

The coalition argues that the layoffs violate congressional mandates and undermine the department's essential functions, such as managing student aid and enforcing civil rights laws.

How many positions are being cut in the Education Department layoffs?

Approximately 1,300 positions are being cut in the Education Department layoffs.

What is the legal basis for the claim that only Congress has the authority to close the Education Department?

The lawsuit emphasizes that only Congress has the authority to close the department, implying that the administration's actions are an unlawful dismantling of a critical government agency.

Where was the lawsuit filed against the Trump administration's Education Department layoffs?

The lawsuit was filed in Massachusetts.

3 sources·Politics

Democratic States Sue Trump Administration Over Education Department Layoffs

Twenty states and D.C. file a lawsuit against the Trump administration's layoffs at the Education Department, claiming it violates congressional mandates.

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The states accuse the administration of "effectively nullifying" mandates by Congress that require the department to carry out certain functions.
Democratic states sue Trump over major cuts to the Department of Education | Politics
CNN·8d
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The lawsuit argues that the massive job cuts are an effective dismantling of the department and will incapacitate components of the agency responsible for performing functions mandated by statute, "effectively nullifying those mandates."
Democratic-led states sue to block Trump from dismantling the Education Department
USA TODAY·8d
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Center
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The suit says only Congress has the power close the department or dismantle its core work.
Democratic-led states sue to block Trump administration layoffs at the Education Department
Associated Press·8d
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This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
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Mar 13th, 2025, 2:05 PM ET

Summary

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A coalition of 20 states and Washington, D.C. has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that layoffs at the Education Department violate congressional mandates and undermine its essential functions. They contend that the mass layoffs, which cut approximately 1,300 positions, hinder the agency's ability to manage student aid and enforce civil rights laws. The lawsuit emphasizes that only Congress has the authority to close the department, asserting that the administration's actions represent an unlawful dismantling of a critical government agency.

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The lawsuit filed by Democratic-led states alleges that the mass layoffs at the Department of Education are illegal and effectively dismantle an agency created by Congress.
The cuts are said to hinder the department's ability to fulfill its statutory obligations, resulting in potential delays of federal funding and enforcement of civil rights laws in schools.
Democratic officials emphasize that only Congress has the authority to close or dismantle the Department of Education, framing the job cuts as a reckless action that could harm students and families.

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