Donald Trump, in an unexpected move, took decisive steps towards dismantling the U.S. Department of Education on March 20, 2025. This move comes after years of criticism aimed at the federal agency and its role in overseeing education laws and funding. With a bold executive order, Trump, surrounded by schoolchildren at the White House, declared his intent to abolish the department, emphasizing that education should be controlled at the state level rather than the federal government. He proclaimed, “We’re going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It’s doing us no good,” and asserted, “We’re going to return education back to the states where it belongs.” This dramatic shift is set to have far-reaching consequences for students, educators, and the future of education policy in the United States.
What Is the Department of Education?
The Department of Education, established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, is a Cabinet-level federal agency that plays a critical role in shaping national education policy and distributing federal funds to schools across the nation. While it does not directly set the curriculum for schools (a responsibility left to state and local authorities), it is involved in enforcing federal education laws, overseeing anti-discrimination measures, and ensuring equitable access to education for all students.
Among its many functions, the Department of Education administers federal student loan programs, manages grants for higher education, and helps to provide financial aid to students in need. The department’s budget, which stands at around $268 billion, supports thousands of programs designed to assist disadvantaged students and improve educational outcomes for underprivileged groups.
In addition, the department has about 4,400 employees, representing a small fraction—just 0.2%—of the total federal workforce. Despite its relatively small size, the department plays a crucial role in ensuring that schools adhere to national standards and receive the resources necessary to provide quality education.
Why Trump Wants to Abolish the Department of Education
Trump’s desire to abolish the Department of Education is not a new one. Throughout his presidency, he has consistently criticized the agency as an example of an overly bureaucratic, ineffective part of the federal government. He argues that the agency’s existence leads to unnecessary government intervention in local schools and education policy.
In a statement made in September 2023, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to closing the department, stating, “One other thing I’ll be doing very early in the administration is closing up the Department of Education.” This directive is part of a broader conservative agenda known as “Project 2025,” a set of proposed reforms for a potential second term. Trump has expressed the belief that the U.S. spends excessive amounts on education without seeing corresponding improvements in student outcomes. In his remarks, Trump pointed to the United States’ high spending on education compared to other nations, despite poor performance on international rankings.
Trump’s primary argument is that education should be returned to the states, allowing local authorities to have more control over how schools are run, and shifting the focus away from federal oversight. While Trump is not able to eliminate the department outright without Congress’s approval, his actions can still undermine its functioning by reducing its budget, cutting its personnel, and limiting its effectiveness.
On March 12, 2025, the Department of Education announced a significant reduction in its staff, cutting about 50% of its employees. The department’s workforce will shrink from over 4,000 employees to approximately 2,200. This move is seen as a direct step toward dismantling the department, even as efforts to fully abolish it remain unclear.
Potential Impact on Teachers, Students, and Federal Student Loans
The proposed dismantling of the Department of Education would have significant consequences for students, educators, and communities across the United States. While Trump’s administration insists that key functions of the department—such as federal student loan programs—will continue, the drastic reduction in resources and personnel could create widespread disruptions.
One of the most significant concerns is the impact on disadvantaged students. The Department of Education administers a variety of programs aimed at supporting underrepresented student populations, including students with disabilities, students of color, and low-income students. These programs rely on federal funding to provide resources, scholarships, and services to those who need them most. Without the department’s oversight, these programs could face severe cuts or be eliminated altogether. For students with disabilities, the loss of federal oversight could result in diminished protections and support, making it harder for them to access the education they are entitled to under federal law.
In addition, the department is heavily involved in early childhood education initiatives, particularly efforts to improve literacy and early learning programs. Blair Wriston, a senior manager at EdTrust, a nonprofit education equity organization, warned that dismantling the department would jeopardize vital research and evidence-based practices designed to improve educational outcomes for young learners. Without the department’s guidance, the progress made in early childhood education could be undone.
Another area of concern is the future of federal student loans. The Department of Education oversees a massive loan program that helps millions of students finance their higher education. If the department is dismantled, it could slow down or even disrupt loan forgiveness programs, repayment assistance, and loan disbursements. These changes could create confusion and uncertainty for millions of students who rely on these programs to fund their education.
