The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily lifted a lower court’s injunction, allowing the Trump administration to proceed with mass layoffs at the Department of Education. This decision enables the administration to advance its plan to shift school oversight back to states, despite previous rulings that had blocked the layoffs. Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a dissent, arguing that the decision threatens the separation of powers by permitting the executive branch to dismantle a federal agency without congressional approval.

The layoffs, which affect nearly 1,400 employees, are part of a broader effort to restructure the Education Department. Proponents argue that the restructuring will streamline operations and reduce federal oversight, while critics contend that it undermines essential federal education services and violates constitutional limits on executive authority. The legal battle is ongoing, with lower courts continuing to consider the merits of the policy and whether the executive branch exceeded its authority.

The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. If upheld, it could set a precedent for future executive actions to restructure or eliminate federal agencies without congressional approval. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome will likely influence the scope of executive authority in federal agency operations.