Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, along with a coalition of 20 attorneys general, has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in an effort to prevent the Trump administration from proceeding with plans to significantly reduce the Department of Education's workforce. The lawsuit, initially filed on March 13, follows an executive order issued on March 20 that directed the closure of the Department of Education and subsequent announcements regarding layoffs and service transfers.
President Trump's directives included instructions for immediate transfer of student loan management and special education services out of the department. AG Ford criticized these actions, stating: “The President is acting unlawfully again and, this time, his actions would leave many of Nevada’s children out in the cold.” He emphasized that dismantling resources critical to children's success is both cruel and illegal.
The coalition claims that the administration's actions have already impacted families and students nationwide. Layoffs have led to closures within the Office of Civil Rights across various locations, while crucial funding for state educational systems has faced delays. This funding supports programs such as elementary and secondary education, services for children with disabilities, vocational education, and adult education—all facing disruption if the Department's incapacitation proceeds.
The lawsuit argues that dismantling the Department without congressional approval is unconstitutional. As an executive agency authorized by Congress, its operations are governed by numerous laws which cannot be unilaterally overridden by executive action. Furthermore, mass layoffs allegedly violate the Administrative Procedures Act.
Joining Attorney General Ford in this legal action are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.