Democratic-led states sue Trump administration over Education Department layoffs

WASHINGTON

Nearly two dozen Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Trump administration, to block widespread job cuts at the Department of Education.

The lawsuit, submitted in a federal court in the state of Massachusetts, came after the agency's announcement Tuesday that it will cut nearly half of its workforce.

New York Attorney General Letitia James accused the administration of "reckless and illegal" actions, and said the cuts would disproportionately harm low-income and disabled students.

The lawsuit names President Donald Trump, Education Secretary Linda McMahon and the department as defendants.

Trump has stated his intention to eliminate the 45-year-old agency, which requires congressional approval.

The states involved include California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Washington, among others. Democratic attorneys general have repeatedly challenged the administration’s policy shifts, including recent cuts to teacher grant programs.