In a significant legal challenge, a coalition consisting of parents, students, and educational organizations took action against President Donald Trump’s efforts to eliminate the Department of Education. This challenge is being heard in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
President Trump’s administration has made moves to disrupt the Department, including nominating Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a bid to ‘put herself out of a job’ and undertaking drastic layoffs or furloughs of thousands of Department employees. Additionally, funding for essential educational programs was halted, raising alarms among advocates for federal education policy.
In July 2025, the Citizens for Accountability Coalition (CAC) submitted an amicus brief advocating for the court to grant a preliminary injunction to prevent the dissolution of the Department. The brief highlights three key arguments against the President’s maneuvers.
First, the brief emphasizes that the United States Constitution grants Congress the exclusive authority to create, modify, or abolish federal departments and agencies. The Constitution clearly states that ‘[a]ll legislative Powers,’ including oversight of governmental structures, reside with Congress. This includes the responsibility to pass laws that establish executive departments, a power Congress has exercised since the inception of the federal government.
Second, the historical practices of Congress illustrate that any delegation of reorganization authority to the President is done through legislative procedures. The Reorganization Acts, which existed from 1932 to 1984, serve as prime examples. These laws were designed to give the President authority to reorganize the executive branch, making it clear that Congress knew how to appropriately limit such power to prevent presidential overreach.
Lastly, the CAC briefs underline that the Department of Education is a legally mandated agency, rendering any unilateral move to abolish it by President Trump unconstitutional. The Department was established through a collaborative effort between Congress and the executive branch in 1979 after extensive discussions on consolidating federal education functions. Notably, when President Jimmy Carter aimed to create the Department, he acknowledged that the power to do so rested with Congress and subsequently recommended legislation to that effect.
This historical cooperation between branches of government in shaping educational policy showcases the need for any changes to also come from Congress. Past Presidents have maintained diverse perspectives on the role of the federal government in education, but none have previously attempted to close the Department without congressional action.
The ongoing legal battle not only challenges President Trump’s authority but also underscores the protective measures built into the American governance structure regarding agency existence.
As the court deliberates, the implications of its decision could significantly impact the future of education policy in the United States and set a precedent for the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.
In conclusion, the fight to uphold the Department of Education’s existence raises essential constitutional questions regarding the limits of presidential power in reorganizing federal agencies. With the final determination from the courts pending, parents and educators alike are watching closely.
image source from：theusconstitution
