Executive Order To Begin To Dismantle the Department of Education

We’re going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It’s doing us no good. We want to return our students to the states.

President Donald Trump referring to the Department of Education and his Executive Order that begins the process of closing it as far as possible.

Why It Matters: The Executive Order says, “the Secretary of Education shall, to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education.” (White House)

• The order comes a week after the department cut nearly half of its federal workers.
• About 10% of funding for K-12 public education flows through the federal government, most of which is directed toward disabled students and low-income students. Before signing the order, President Trump said the department’s functions related to Pell grants, Title 1 and funding for children with disabilities will be “preserved in full and redistributed to various other agencies and departments.” (The Hill)
• A complete dismantle of the Department of Education would require an act of Congress since the department was originally created by Congress. During President Trump’s speech, referring to Democrats, he stated, “I hope they’re going to be voting for it because ultimately it may come before them.” (USA Today)
• Education is primarily a local and state responsibility, according to the Department of Education.
• “Ultimately, the Department of Education’s main functions can, and should, be returned to the States,” the order reads. (White House)

What is the Department of Education? Created in 1979 by Congress, the federal agency primarily distributes funds, manages the federal student loan portfolio, enforces civil rights laws and conducts education research. The department does not control school curricula, determine academic standards or set graduation requirements. However, the Department of Education does provide funds that help schools and districts reach their goals. In 2024, the Department of Education spent $268 billion, which was 4% of overall federal spending, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

Programs of the Department of Education:

• Title 1: Provides financial assistance for low-income families. Funds are sent to state and local agencies to disperse.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Funds sent to local and state governments for special education programs. Grants can also be sent to schools for initiatives to improve education. Aside from financial assistance, the department helps to enforce civil rights laws.
• Student Loans: Administers and manages two programs to help college students. 1) Pell grants provide financial help to college students from low-income families. 2) Federal student loan programs offer loans for higher education, usually with lower interest rates, income-driven payment plans and deferred payments.
• Research: Conducts research and reports data on K-12 educational institutions including enrollment, finances and performance metrics like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (also known as the nation’s report card).

Read More: Full Executive Order (White House)

Watch the complete event and signing HERE (YouTube)

What does the Department of Education do? (USA Facts)