Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Trump administration from dismantling the Department of Education. This legal action follows an announcement by the Trump administration to cut 50 percent of the department's workforce and an executive order directing its closure. President Trump's recent directive also calls for transferring student loan management and special education services outside the department.
Ellison stated, "Today, I filed a motion to halt Donald Trump’s attempts to unlawfully dismantle the Department of Education and cause severe harm to students and classrooms across Minnesota." He emphasized that Congress created the Department of Education through legislation, asserting that President Trump lacks authority to eliminate it unilaterally.
The coalition argues that these actions have already impacted families and students nationwide. The layoffs have led to closures within the Office of Civil Rights and delayed critical funding for state school systems. The attorneys general highlight that states depend on federal funding for various educational programs, which could face significant disruption if these plans proceed.
The lawsuit contends that dismantling the department is illegal and unconstitutional, as it is an executive agency established by Congress with numerous laws governing its operations. The coalition maintains that such actions require congressional approval and argue that mass layoffs violate the Administrative Procedures Act.
Joining Ellison are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.