Washington, July 15(HS): The Trump administration has gained approval from the Supreme Court to proceed with extensive layoffs in the U.S. Department of Education, overturning a federal judge's prior block. The conservative-majority court granted this request without explanation, prompting dissent from the court's three liberal justices. Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized the decision, asserting it enables the executive branch to contravene the law and undermines the Constitution's separation of powers. She described the ruling as a serious threat and a clear disregard for constitutional principles.

President Trump celebrated the ruling, claiming it a victory for parents and students, and indicated plans for a transfer of Department of Education responsibilities to states, allowing Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to initiate layoffs. Earlier, Trump had issued an executive order targeting the closure of the Department of Education, leading to mass layoffs at the department.

Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward, condemned the Supreme Court's decision as detrimental to public education, noting it has bypassed the rationale of two lower court rulings. U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun had previously stated that the administration's intent appeared aimed at abolishing the department without legal authority.

Solicitor General D. John Sayer contended these comments infringed on presidential authority. New York Attorney General Letitia James described the administration's actions as arbitrary and unconstitutional. As a result of the Supreme Court ruling, a lower court's order to reinstate 1,400 employees has been invalidated, effectively allowing Trump to dismantle the Department of Education.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar