The Trump administration has formally asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the termination of nearly 1,400 employees at the Department of Education — part of its wider plan to downsize the federal workforce.
A lower court in Massachusetts had previously blocked the layoffs, citing concerns over the separation of powers.
Now, the Justice Department is appealing that decision, arguing the executive branch has the authority to make personnel changes within federal agencies.
The layoffs were originally planned as part of a broader effort to cut federal spending and reduce what the administration calls bureaucratic inefficiency.
If the Supreme Court rules in favor, the move could clear the way for deeper restructuring across federal departments.