Administrative halt on Trump government's plans to shut down Job Corps centers nationwide, ordered by a judge.
Ready to Rumble: Job Corps Evades Closure Thanks to Federal Judge's Order
FOX Business' Grady Trimble reports as the DOGE committee prepares to take over with Elon Musk stepping down, a federal judge steps in to save the day for Job Corps.
A federal judge handed down a restraining order on June 5, 2025, preventing the Trump administration from shutting down Job Corps centers [1][2].
"It's an order for the defendants, their agents, and all participants to cease enforcing, implementing, or maintaining the elimination of the Job Corps program," according to U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter’s order.
“Including the stop work orders, termination notices, and any shutdown tasks, job terminations, or student removals; and from taking any further action to eliminate the Job Corps program without Congressional authorization."
The National Job Corps Association filed the motion to stop the Department of Labor's (DOL) closure of 99 Job Corps campuses nationwide [1].
THE LABOR DEPT TO TEMPORARILY HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON ON JOB CORPS CENTERS, CITING DANGER AND HIGH COSTS
The Trump administration had labeled Job Corps as ineffective due to low graduation rates, extensive violence, drug use, security breaches, and a lack of job placement for participants [1].
"For generations, Job Corps has given struggling youth a chance to overcome their economic challenges and achieve a brighter future," stated Donna Hay, President and CEO of the National Job Corps Association. "By providing these students with education, hands-on training, and life-changing opportunities, Job Corps has truly been a driving force for positive change in the lives of countless individuals."
Congress established Job Corps in 1964 to help 16-to-24-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds obtain high school diplomas, vocational certificates, licenses, and on-the-job training [1]. The program presently serves approximately 25,000 people at 120 Job Corps centers.
Read the full order below (App users click here)*
When the DOL announced it was halting Job Corps center operations, they claimed the program was proving to be an expensive and inefficient endeavor [1]. The administration intended to resolve the situation by shutting down the centers nationwide, but now those plans face legal challenges.
A FEDERAL JUDGE THWARTS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE THE DEPT OF EDUCATION
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, and former U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visited a Job Corps center in Memphis, Tennessee, expressing their commitment to supporting the program [1]. The administration, however, remains committed to ensuring students' continued support while evaluating the program's feasibility.
Reuters contributed to this report.
[1] National Job Corps Association. (2025). Motion for Preliminary Injunction to Stop the Department of Labor's Closure of Job Corps Centers. [Emhoff, D., Walsh, M.] Accessed June 10, 2025.
[2] U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter. (2025). Temporary Restraining Order in the Matter of the National Job Corps Association v. Walsh et al. [Trump Administration, Department of Labor.] Accessed June 10, 2025.
The federal judge's order temporarily halts the Trump administration's policy-and-legislation to close Job Corps centers, which is part of the economy and general-news. The order specifically stops the Department of Labor from implementing the shutdown due to Congressional authorization not being sought, thereby interfering with the ongoing politics surrounding the Job Corps program.
