On Thursday, March 20th, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to transfer control to the states. However, the White House confirmed that fully eliminating the department requires congressional approval
At a White House ceremony, Trump, joined by schoolchildren and Republican officials, signed the order and declared, “We’re going to eliminate it, and everybody knows it’s right.” The directive instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take “all necessary steps” to shut down the department while ensuring federal education programs continue.
Federal funding for Title I schools, special education, Pell Grants, and student loans will remain in place. However, the department has already issued layoff notices to 1,300 employees, and several regional offices have closed.
Created in 1979, the Department of Education oversees federal funding and compliance with nondiscrimination laws. Trump argues education policy should be controlled by states, not the federal government.
McMahon acknowledged that Congress must approve the department’s full elimination but said the administration is working to shrink its size. Some responsibilities may shift to other agencies, and funding structures could change.
The order directs a transition plan to prevent disruptions while the department is phased out. Opponents argue that eliminating it could harm low-income and disabled students who rely on federal support.
Despite legal and political hurdles, Trump remains committed to shutting down the department, calling it unnecessary bureaucracy. The administration is expected to push Congress to pass legislation finalizing its closure.
