Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken legal action against the Trump Administration, seeking a preliminary injunction to halt mass firings at the U.S. Department of Education and the transfer of its core functions to other departments. Bonta argues that these actions could severely impact California schools, which receive $7.9 billion annually from the department.

Bonta stated, "California receives billions of dollars each year from the U.S. Department of Education. The programs and initiatives these funds support help ensure all our children have access to a high-quality public education and are able to learn in a safe, healthy environment."

The Trump Administration initiated a mass termination on March 11, affecting nearly half of the department's employees as part of what is described as a "final mission" to dismantle it. President Trump's directive for Education Secretary Linda McMahon to dismantle the department further supports this effort.

The mass firings have already led to significant disruptions, including the closure of seven regional offices of the Office for Civil Rights, leaving numerous cases unresolved.

Bonta and his coalition argue that these actions violate federal law by undermining the department's ability to fulfill its obligations. They are urging the court to block these efforts while litigation continues.

Attorney General Bonta is leading this lawsuit with support from Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and attorneys general from several other states.