In a sharp legal twist, over 175 Democratic lawmakers have mounted a united front against the Trump administration’s controversial push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Backing a lawsuit led by the NAACP, their legal brief accuses the administration of overreach—cutting jobs, freezing billions in funding, and threatening the very spine of public schooling. With the future of federal education policy hanging in the balance, this bold courtroom clash may decide whether one president can undo decades of national educational structure without Congress’s hand.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Over 175 Democrats in Congress file legal brief against Trump’s attempt to dismantle Department of Education

• Brief supports NAACP lawsuit alleging constitutional violations

• Led by Sen. Warren, Reps. Raskin, DeLauro, and Scott

• Trump administration accused of cutting staff and halting $6B in education programs

• Court filing seeks injunction before school year begins

• Supreme Court may weigh in on legality of employee terminations

• Warren’s Save Our Schools campaign opposes downsizing

• Lawmakers argue only Congress can create or dissolve federal agencies

The Trump administration’s sweeping moves to scale down the U.S. Department of Education are facing a powerful legal challenge, as more than 175 Democratic lawmakers have filed an amicus brief urging the courts to intervene. The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict over the federal government’s role in public education, which has intensified under former President Donald Trump’s policy agenda.

At the center of the debate is whether the executive branch has the constitutional authority to dismantle a federal agency that was created by Congress. This amicus brief — a 15-page legal document — has been filed in support of a lawsuit brought earlier this year by the NAACP and several education and civil rights groups. That case challenges the legality of the administration’s decision to slash the department’s workforce and suspend key education programs, totaling over $6 billion in funding.

The brief is being spearheaded by prominent Democratic figures, including Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representatives Jamie Raskin, Bobby Scott, and Rosa DeLauro — all of whom serve on top congressional education and judiciary committees. They are joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and more than 150 other House Democrats, marking one of the most unified responses to the administration’s education policies in recent memory.

“The law couldn’t be clearer: the president does not have the authority to unilaterally abolish the Department of Education,”
— Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Warren emphasized that the role of public education in American democracy is too vital to be subjected to unilateral decisions from the White House. In her words, “Donald Trump is not a king, and he cannot single-handedly cut off access to education for students across this country.”

The NAACP lawsuit, filed earlier in the spring, specifically argues that the administration’s efforts — including mass terminations and the cancellation of statutory grant programs — represent a clear violation of the separation of powers. These actions, they argue, fall outside the constitutional authority of the executive branch and must be reviewed by the courts.

As part of this broader legal battle, the NAACP, the National Education Association (NEA), and a coalition of advocacy groups have now submitted a request for a preliminary injunction with the U.S. District Court in Maryland. The timing is particularly critical, as the administration’s decisions come just before the start of a new academic year — a period when schools are especially reliant on federal assistance.

“The motion seeks a remedy for the serious harm that the Trump Administration has inflicted on students, educators, schools, and colleges and universities,”
— NEA statement

The NEA, which represents over 3 million educators nationwide, has asserted that the Department of Education has a statutory obligation to support students across the country. Suspending congressionally appropriated programs, the organization argues, undermines not only access to education but also public trust in the government’s role as an educational safeguard.

Representative Jamie Raskin, one of the lead signatories of the legal filing, framed the issue as a critical matter of democratic checks and balances. According to Raskin, Congress created the Department of Education precisely to ensure that every child in the U.S. has access to a free, high-quality public education.

“This is the right of every citizen and an essential democratic safeguard against political tyranny,”
— Rep. Jamie Raskin

He further added:

“No president has the authority to dismantle a federal agency created by law. We’re going to court to defend not only congressional power but the department’s national educational mission, itself a pillar of American democracy.”

The legal brief underscores a broader constitutional principle: that the power to create, restructure, or dissolve federal agencies lies exclusively with Congress. Historically, presidents have proposed reorganizations of the executive branch, but such changes have always required legislative approval and were subject to clear limitations.

Representative Joe Neguse of Colorado also voiced strong concerns about the impact of dismantling the department. He warned that such actions could result in the erosion of vital support systems that serve tens of millions of students and educators nationwide.

“Closing the department would strip vital support from students and teachers,”
— Rep. Joe Neguse

He continued:

“I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in the House and Senate to uphold Congress’ responsibility to ensure every student has access to a quality education and to defend the essential work of the Department of Education.”

Earlier efforts by the Trump administration to restructure the department were blocked by lower courts. However, the legal fight is far from over. A key case pending before the Supreme Court may soon determine whether the termination of nearly 2,000 department employees — a central part of the downsizing plan — can proceed.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has attempted to reassure critics by stating that core services, such as those for students with disabilities, will not be affected and could be reassigned to other agencies. Still, skepticism remains among lawmakers and education advocates.

This legal effort is also part of Senator Warren’s broader Save Our Schools campaign, which she launched following Trump’s executive order targeting the Department. She has consistently raised concerns about the long-term impact of these policies, particularly on vulnerable communities.

“The federal government has invested in our public schools. Taking that away from our kids so that a handful of billionaires can be even richer is just plain ugly,”
— Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Warren has previously called for an internal investigation into the agency’s handling of student loan data and staff dismissals. She warned that undermining the Department of Education’s infrastructure could have “dire consequences” for borrowers, particularly as oversight weakens.

The amicus brief follows a recent closed-door meeting between several House Democrats and Secretary McMahon, intended to address concerns about the department’s future. According to attendees, many questions went unanswered.

One of those lawmakers was Representative Frederica Wilson, a longtime educator and senior member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. Drawing on her background as a school principal, Wilson spoke out strongly against the administration’s agenda.

“For the Department of Education to be dismantled, it is going to bring a shock to this nation,”
— Rep. Frederica Wilson

She added:

“Schools are the bedrock of this nation. When schools are working, our country is, too.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, the broader national conversation continues around the future of federal education policy — and who gets to shape it.

As the legal battle unfolds, the stakes reach far beyond political rivalry—they cut to the very foundation of how America educates its citizens. With a coalition of lawmakers, educators, and civil rights groups uniting to defend the Department of Education, the courts are now poised to decide whether the executive branch can rewrite the nation’s educational blueprint alone. While the administration insists its goals are administrative, critics argue the consequences could be structural and sweeping. The final verdict may redefine not only authority—but access—to education in America.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles