California and other Democratic states allege Trump's cuts amount to an illegal shutdown of the Education Department's crucial, congressionally mandated work, including protecting civil rights.

Under Trump’s directive the Department of Education laid off half its staff. The lawsuit argues Trump has no authority to make such drastic changes.

The Department of Education also allocates funds to pay the costs of developing and administering state assessments through Title I, Part B, according to the National Education Association. California received $27 million in Title I, Part B funds for the 2024-25 year, according to Roark.