California's legal battle with the Trump Administration has taken a new turn after a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court decided to stay a temporary restraining order (TRO) previously granted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. This restraining order was part of a lawsuit opposing the Trump Administration’s decision to terminate multi-year grants designed for K-12 teacher preparation programs.
California, along with a coalition of seven states, had successfully obtained the TRO on March 10, 2025. However, the Supreme Court's stay allows the federal government to proceed with ending these grants. These programs aim to alleviate the teacher shortage by supporting the pathway to teacher training.
Attorney General Rob Bonta of California commented on the implications of this development, stating, “The Trump Administration is pursuing an anti-education agenda that would yank teachers out of schools and prevent new teachers-in-training who are close to being ready to serve our students from filling empty classrooms.” He noted the significance of the case, suggesting it jeopardizes the progress in providing adequately trained teachers, particularly in underserved areas.
While the stay allows the Trump Administration's actions to continue temporarily, the case is ongoing and unresolved. The motion for a preliminary injunction is still awaiting a decision. Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of the litigation process and the state's dedication to ensuring access to education through qualified teachers, particularly in schools facing greater challenges.
“While we would have preferred to maintain the TRO, we respect the court process, and we look forward to continuing to make our case in the lower court,” Bonta added. As discussions proceed in the lower court, California and the coalition of states remain focused on advancing educational opportunities for students.
Details on the K-12 teacher grant lawsuit remain accessible for those interested in understanding the ongoing legal proceedings.