Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of 21 states in filing an amicus brief supporting President Donald Trump’s decision to reduce the workforce at the Department of Education, a move aimed at returning more educational authority to state governments. The brief was filed on Monday in the case State of New York v. Secretary Linda McMahon.
In the brief, the coalition backs the President’s decision to implement a nearly 50% reduction in force (RIF) at the Department of Education, announced last month as a measure to increase efficiency and better allocate resources to serve students, parents, and teachers. The decision prompted a lawsuit from 21 Democrat-led states, but Attorney General Knudsen argues that President Trump has the constitutional authority to manage federal employees.
“Article II of the Constitution grants the President broad authority to manage the federal workforce,” Knudsen said. “The Founders confirmed this authority, and the courts have recognized it for over two centuries. Limiting the President’s ability to manage administrative employees would hinder his ability to ensure effective government.”
The brief also points out that the plaintiffs, who argue they will suffer irreparable harm without continued federal guidance, have not demonstrated legitimate grounds for their claims. For example, the states argue that the Department’s reduction in force will prevent them from receiving essential guidance, but Knudsen notes that these same states rejected recent Title IX guidance on women’s athletic opportunities—a key policy from the Department.
“Plaintiffs cannot demand the reinstatement of employees to provide ‘essential’ guidance when they are actively rejecting the guidance that has been provided,” Attorney General Knudsen wrote.
The brief further asserts that the plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed in their case, citing the separation of powers as a foundation for President Trump’s authority to manage the Department of Education’s workforce. In contrast, the brief argues that the Trump Administration would suffer significant harm if an injunction were issued, as it would impede the President’s ability to exercise his constitutional powers.
“The public interest is clearly in favor of the President’s actions,” Knudsen added. “Empowering states to make decisions about education will provide unprecedented opportunities for every child, regardless of income or location.”
Joining Montana in supporting the brief were the attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
By: DNU staff