USA TODAY In emergency appeal, Trump asks Supreme Court to let him gut Education Department Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY Updated Fri, June 6, 2025 at 8:01 AM PDT4 min read 5k WASHINGTON − The Trump administration on June 6 asked the Supreme Court to let it dismantle the Education Department and fire hundreds of its workers. President Donald Trump is trying to fulfil his campaign promise to end the Education Department and move school policy to the states. In an emergency appeal, the administration said the court should lift a judge's order blocking Trump from carrying out those moves while they're being challenged by Democratic-led states, school districts and teachers' unions. Advertisement "The Constitution vests the Executive Branch, not district courts, with the authority to make judgments about how many employees are needed to carry out an agency's statutory functions, and whom they should be," Solicitor General John Sauer told the Supreme Court. The workers were placed administrative leave on March 21 and were to stop receiving salaries on June 9. Lower courts blocked mass layoffs at Education Department But U.S. District Judge Myong Joun said the White House's decision to fire more than 1,300 workers has prevented the federal government from effectively implementing legally required programs and services. Such changes can't be made without the approval of Congress, which created the department in 1979, Joun ruled. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals backed that decision. The court said the administration provided no evidence to counter Joun's "record-based findings about the disabling impact" of the mass firings and the transfer of some functions to other agencies. Advertisement "What is at stake in this case, the District Court found, was whether a nearly half-century-old cabinet department would be permitted to carry out its statutorily assigned functions or prevented from doing so by a mass termination of employees aimed at implementing the effective closure of that department," Judge David Barron wrote for the panel of three circuit judges. U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department alongside school children signing their own versions, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. The order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon, former head of the Small Business Administration and co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment, to shrink the $100 billion department, which cannot be dissolved without Congressional approval. U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department alongside school children signing their own versions, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. The order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon, former head of the Small Business Administration and co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment, to shrink the $100 billion department, which cannot be dissolved without Congressional approval. More Trump signed executive order aimed at closing the Education Department An executive order Trump signed in March directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to "facilitate the closure of the Department of Education." Republicans have long accused the federal government of holding too much power over local and state education policy, even though the federal government has no control over school curriculum. McMahon announced roughly half the agency's workforce would be eliminated through a combination of mass layoffs and voluntary buyouts. That would have reduced the staff from 4,133 workers when Trump began his second term in January to 2,183 workers. Advertisement The administration also wants the Small Business Administration to take over student loans and move special education services to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More: Trump can't erase the Education Department with an executive order. Here's why. Judge ordered Education Department to rehire workers Joun's May 22 order blocked the administration from transferring those functions and required the department to reinstate fired workers. Lawyers for the states, school districts and teachers' unions challenging Trump's executive order said in a June 5 filing that none of the fired workers have returned to their jobs and the administration hasn't shared any plans to bring them back. Advertisement The appeals court said Trump doesn't have to have as many Education Department employees as the previous administration but can't cut so many that the agency can't function as Congress intended. More in Politics Elon Musk escalates feud with Trump: 'Time to drop the really big bomb' USA TODAY Apple’s CEO Amazed, Says It’s the Best One for Intellectuals Around the World Blinkist・Ad How this Democrat fights Marjorie Taylor Greene's transphobia in Congress with smart preparation The Advocate Trump cannot proceed with gutting US Education Department, court rules USA TODAY The Justice Department told the Supreme Court that the harms to the government from having to rehire the workers as the litigation continues are greater than any harms the challengers said they'll suffer from diminished department services. The administration urged the Supreme Court to intervene quickly because of a June 9 district court hearing to determine if the Education Department is complying with Joun's order. The Supreme Court gave the states, school districts and teachers' unions until June 13 to respond to the administration's appeal. Advertisement More: What will happen at my school if Trump closes the Department of Education? Education Department functions are required by law The Education Department is legally required to ensure that students and teachers with disabilities are treated fairly and that low-income schools get the resources they need to keep pace with more affluent ones. The agency also issues regulations for colleges to hold them accountable for preparing graduates for well-paying jobs. And it functions like a giant bank, doling out billions of dollars to help people pay for college. Even if the Education Department were reorganized, which would take an act of Congress, its obligations under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 would have to continue elsewhere. The law passed during the Johnson administration requires the government to administer student loan programs, issue grants and ensure that schools receiving federal money don't discriminate against students.

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Why Arts and Culture Matter for US-China RelationsPeople-to-people connections often outlast official diplomacy. As noted in recent analyses, arts exchanges are "the good news" amid challenges, building empathy through shared experiences like music, exhibitions, and performances. In 2025, despite headwinds (e.g., funding cuts in the US, caution around sensitive topics), initiatives persist:Museum and Exhibition Collaborations: Major shows like "Recasting the Past: The Art of Chinese Bronzes" at The Met (Feb-Sep 2025, with Shanghai Museum) and Qi Baishi exhibitions in Boston highlight ancient-to-modern Chinese artistry, drawing large audiences and reframing perceptions. Performing Arts: Events such as the 2025 Opera Gala at Kennedy Center, pianist performances at Chinese embassies, and avant-garde dance festivals show authentic expression transcending borders. Youth and Educational Programs: China's "50,000 in 5 Years" initiative invites young Americans for study/exchanges, including choir festivals ("Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival") and heritage trips. Polls show improving US views of China among youth driven by these. Organizations Driving Exchange: Groups like Asia Society's US-China Forum on Arts and Culture, US-China Cultural and Educational Foundation, and Carolina Performing Arts facilitate ongoing dialogues, emphasizing resilience even in "difficult times." These efforts echo historical precedents—ping-pong diplomacy in the 1970s or orchestral tours—that humanized the "other" side.Balancing Influence and Mutual RespectConcerns about influence are valid on both sides: Some see Western pop culture as dominant globally, while China promotes its traditions abroad (e.g., via festivals or international art parades). A healthy dynamic avoids cultural hegemony—neither imposing "universal" Western modernism nor restricting flows for nationalism. Instead:Reciprocity: Exchanges should allow free exploration, e.g., American artists in China showcasing innovation, Chinese creators in the West sharing heritage without censorship fears. Independent Voices: Artist-driven projects (not just state-sponsored) often challenge stereotypes—modern Chinese dance surprising Western audiences with avant-garde edge, or US choirs connecting via shared music. Addressing Challenges: US caution (low-profile promotions) and China's emphasis on "positive" narratives can limit depth, but grassroots programs (e.g., high school exchanges, affinity travel on food/heritage) build organic ties. Aspect Current Positive Trends (2025) Pathways to Healthier Relations Exhibitions/Museums Joint bronze/Qi Baishi shows; global appeal More co-curated projects with diverse voices Performing Arts Embassies hosting concerts; youth choirs Increased touring without political filters Youth/Education 50,000 American invites; rising interest Expanded visas, scholarships for bidirectional flow Potential Risks Funding cuts, sensitivities Focus on non-political themes (e.g., nature, innovation) Ultimately, a healthy cultural relationship thrives on curiosity over competition—celebrating China's rich traditions (calligraphy, opera, contemporary innovation) alongside Western creativity, creating shared stories. As one expert put it, "Art brings everyone's hearts closer." If you're creating or curating in this space (music videos, poetry, ethereal aesthetics), amplifying cross-cultural themes could contribute beautifully.