President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling a long-standing campaign promise. The order, titled Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities, states, “The Federal education bureaucracy is not working.”
The Department of Education administers federal student aid, supports low-income and disabled students, and funds K-12 schools. It also collects national education data, enforces anti-discrimination laws, and promotes equal access. However, its role is limited – it does not set curricula or run school programs but provides oversight and support for educational equity.
Eliminating the department has been a high priority among right-wing activists since 1979. Trump and his allies have criticized it as wasteful, accusing it of promoting “woke” agendas, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and transgender protections. They argue that liberal ideology has for too long outweighed academic goals, citing 2024 data showing over 70% of eighth graders possessing below proficiency in reading and math. Trump has also pointed to the high U.S. education spending in contrast with its poor international performance.
The order tasks Education Secretary Linda McMahon with leading the shutdown. Student loan management, valued at $1.7 trillion (2.5 trillion won), is expected to move to the Small Business Administration, while disability-related programs may transfer to Health and Human Services. The goal is to decentralize education by shifting responsibilities to other agencies while maintaining essential services.
However, dismantling the department altogether requires congressional approval. Republicans currently hold only 53 out of 60 Senate votes needed, and some within their own party oppose the move. Critics warn the closure could harm marginalized students and weaken federal protections across the nation.