The Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for President Donald Trump to proceed with mass layoffs at the Department of Education, marking another win for the White House at the conservative-leaning court. In an unsigned order, the justices temporarily lifted a lower court’s injunction that had blocked the layoffs indefinitely. The ruling allows Trump’s plan to move forward while the legal battle continues. The court’s three liberal justices dissented, CNN reported.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly opposed the decision, calling it “indefensible” and warning it threatens the Constitution’s separation of powers. She criticized the majority for allowing the executive branch to undermine an agency that Congress created. However, it’s important to note Trump’s order targets only staff reductions, not the department’s outright elimination.

Earlier this year, Trump directed a 50% workforce cut at the Education Department. Lower courts intervened, ruling that because the department was established by Congress, the executive branch cannot unilaterally dismantle it. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun issued an injunction blocking the layoffs and ordered the reinstatement of about 1,400 employees. The lawsuit was filed by teachers’ unions, school districts, and education groups.

Judge Joun emphasized that the department “cannot be shut down without Congress’s approval” and that the layoffs could cripple it. He noted evidence suggesting the administration’s true aim was to dismantle the department without proper authorization.

In response, Trump’s legal team argued the layoffs are “internal management decisions” meant to shift functions to the states. They said the department will continue to fulfill its duties, just with fewer employees.