In another legal setback for the Trump administration’s workforce agenda, a federal judge in New York has issued a nationwide injunction preventing the U.S. Department of Labor from suspending operations at most Job Corps centers across the country. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter, underscores the judiciary’s role in curbing executive actions that bypass congressional mandates. Job Corps, a federal program established in the 1960s, provides vocational training, education, and housing to tens of thousands of low-income young people annually. The administration had announced plans to scale back the program, citing performance issues and budget concerns.
Judge Carter rejected the Department of Labor’s rationale, stating that the executive branch does not have unilateral authority to effectively dismantle a program that Congress has explicitly created and funded. He wrote that the proposed suspension went far beyond routine administrative adjustment and amounted to a de facto elimination of services. The court concluded that such a move would not only violate the separation of powers but also inflict substantial harm on the vulnerable youth who rely on Job Corps for education, healthcare, and shelter.
The ruling came in response to a legal challenge filed by a coalition of states, advocacy groups, and program participants, who argued that the Department’s actions would abruptly displace thousands of students and staff without a viable alternative. Public reaction to the injunction has been overwhelmingly supportive among labor advocates, education leaders, and civil rights groups. Many have pointed to individual success stories of students whose lives were transformed by access to Job Corps resources and training, reinforcing the program’s role as a vital social safety net. This case highlights an ongoing tension between executive discretion and legislative authority, especially when it comes to social programs with longstanding bipartisan support. The injunction ensures that Job Corps will continue to operate while the litigation plays out, though the final resolution may still take months or longer. For now, the court’s message is clear: the Department of Labor must adhere to congressional intent, even in the pursuit of reform.
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