A wave of lawsuits from Democratic Attorneys General and several states is underway in response to significant layoffs and budget cuts at the U.S. Department of Education, recently halving its workforce. States including Oregon and Washington have joined a legal battle against the Trump administration, claiming that the dismantling of the department undermines public education and civil rights. Critics, including former education secretaries, emphasize that these drastic cuts threaten student loans, IEPs, and the overall functioning of local schools. As many educators express concern over the impact on educational resources and support services, experts warn that the changes could lead to catastrophic harm for students nationwide. The future of the department remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about the legality and consequences of these executive actions.