President Donald Trump fulfilled a campaign promise by signing an executive order on Thursday (March 20, 2025) that called for the dismantling of the Education Department, an agency that Republicans have long discussed closing. The order directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities.
The process of eliminating the Department entirely would be complex and likely require congressional approval. Since taking office, the Trump administration has already reduced the Department’s staff by half and made significant changes to its operations. The Department’s work has been overhauled, with contracts being cut and the Institute of Education Sciences being gutted.
The Education Department plays a crucial financial role, distributing federal funds to colleges and schools annually and managing the federal student loan portfolio. The closure of the department would involve redistributing these responsibilities to other agencies. The Department also regulates services for students, including those with disabilities, low-income students, and homeless children.
President Trump has outlined plans to cut off federal funding for schools and colleges that promote certain ideologies, while rewarding states and schools that support specific programs. Federal funding is a key component of public school budgets, accounting for approximately 14%, and plays a significant role in higher education through research grants and financial aid.
The Education Department oversees student loan debt, the Pell Grant, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). President Joe Biden’s administration focused on canceling student loans, forgiving billions of dollars for millions of borrowers through various programs. Trump’s stance on student debt remains unclear.
The Office for Civil Rights within the Education Department conducts investigations and issues guidance on civil rights laws. Trump’s administration has emphasized different priorities within this office, focusing on issues such as antisemitism and transgender participation in sports.
Accreditation of colleges and universities is overseen by the Education Department, with Trump expressing concerns about political interference in the process. The Department also distributes funds to K-12 schools through programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
President Trump has proposed shifting the Department’s functions to the States, but specifics on how this transition would occur are lacking. The Heritage Foundation has suggested a plan for reallocating funding and oversight of programs for children with disabilities and low-income students.
Published – March 21, 2025 08:39 am IST
