Trump Signs Order to Dismantle Education Department

Major Update: Trump Moves to Dismantle Education Agency

​On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to shift control over education policy to state and local authorities. Trump criticized the department’s performance and high costs since its establishment in 1979, stating that despite significant spending, educational outcomes have not improved.

The executive order instructs that remaining Department of Education funds should not support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives or gender-related programs. However, completely abolishing the department requires congressional approval, which is uncertain given the current political landscape. ​

Critics argue that dismantling the department could negatively impact low-income and special education students who rely on federal support. The National Education Association, representing 2.8 million educators, expressed concerns that reducing the department’s resources could harm students in need.

The future of federal education programs, including student loans and grants, remains uncertain as the administration plans to transfer these responsibilities to other federal agencies. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the size of the federal government, with the Department of Education already experiencing significant staff reductions.