A federal judge in Massachusetts has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday, halting the administration's plans that were announced on March 11. This ruling represents a significant setback for Trump, who has long sought to eliminate the department.

The judge's decision came in response to two consolidated lawsuits. One was filed by the Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts, along with the American Federation of Teachers and other education groups. The other was brought by a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general. The plaintiffs argued that the mass layoffs and restructuring efforts amounted to an illegal closure of the Education Department, leaving it unable to fulfill its responsibilities mandated by Congress.

In his ruling, Judge Joun highlighted the potential harm caused by the layoffs, stating, "The plaintiffs painted a stark picture of the irreparable harm that will result from financial uncertainty and delay, impeded access to vital knowledge on which students and educators rely, and loss of essential services for America’s most vulnerable student populations." He emphasized that the scale of the layoffs would likely cripple the department's operations.

The judge ordered the reinstatement of approximately 1,300 federal employees who were terminated as part of the administration's reduction-in-force plan. This decision comes as the Education Department's workforce has already been reduced to about half of its size since Trump took office.

The Trump administration has indicated plans to challenge the ruling. Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the department, criticized the judge's decision, claiming it was an overreach of authority based on complaints from biased plaintiffs. "Once again, a far-left Judge has dramatically overstepped his authority," Biedermann stated.

Despite the administration's claims that the layoffs were intended to improve efficiency, Judge Joun noted that there was no evidence to support this assertion. He pointed out that the actions taken by the administration were not merely a reorganization but rather a significant threat to the department's ability to function effectively.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, welcomed the ruling, calling it a crucial step in reversing what she described as a "war on knowledge and the undermining of broad-based opportunity."

The administration has acknowledged that while it aims to restructure the agency, any closure must be approved by Congress. The ongoing legal battle will determine the future of the Education Department and its ability to serve students and educators across the nation.