Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to start dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. This was a key promise in his campaign, as he believes the department is unnecessary and influenced by liberal ideas. However, completely shutting it down would require approval from Congress, which originally created it in 1979.
The department will not close entirely, as some critical functions will remain. The government will still manage programs like Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell Grants for college students, and financial aid for students with disabilities. Federal student loan programs will also continue.
Trump blamed the Education Department for the country’s declining academic performance and said states should take control of education. “It’s not helping us,” he stated during a White House event.
His administration has already started reducing the department’s size by cutting its workforce in half. There have also been significant budget reductions for offices responsible for civil rights and national education research.
Concerns Over Impact on Students
Critics argue that shutting down the department will harm students, particularly those from low-income and minority communities.
“This is a terrible day for millions of children who rely on federal funding for a quality education,” said Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP.
Democrats strongly oppose this move, calling it dangerous and illegal. Representative Bobby Scott from Virginia warned that this could negatively impact students with disabilities and low-income families. He pointed out that the department was created to ensure students’ civil rights were protected.
However, supporters of Trump’s plan argue that it will reduce unnecessary government interference in education. Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, welcomed the decision, stating, “No more bureaucracy dictating what kids learn. Parents and communities can now have control.”
What Happens Next?
It is unclear which responsibilities of the department will be transferred to other government agencies or eliminated. Currently, the department provides billions of dollars in funding to schools and manages student loans worth $1.6 trillion.
Most public school funding (about 86%) comes from state and local sources. However, federal funds support key programs like school meals, aid for homeless students, and Title I funding for low-income schools. Colleges and universities depend more on federal funding, including research grants and financial aid.
For years, Republicans have called for closing the Education Department, saying it wastes taxpayer money and limits state control over education. Trump promised to return education decisions to the states, arguing that federal oversight has been taken over by “radicals and extremists.”
Despite pushing for the department’s closure, Trump has still used it to enforce his policies, such as limiting transgender participation in sports and regulating diversity programs.
Even some of Trump’s allies question whether he has the authority to shut down the department without congressional approval. In 2023, a proposal to close the department was rejected, with 60 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
During Trump’s first term, former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos attempted to cut funding and give states more flexibility over spending. However, even Congress refused to approve such changes.
While the debate continues, Trump’s latest order marks a significant step in his push to reshape American education policy.
