What Does the U.S. Department of Education Do? Trump’s Plan to Shut It Down Sparks Debate

Published On: March 6, 2025

Trump preparing to sign order to dismantle Education Department

Former President Donald Trump is taking steps to shut down the U.S. Department of Education, a move that could drastically change how American schools are funded and regulated. This plan, expected to be set in motion through an executive order, aligns with his long-standing promise to reduce federal influence and give states more control over education. But what exactly does the Department of Education do, and what happens if it’s dismantled?

What Is the U.S. Department of Education?

The U.S. Department of Education was created in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter to ensure equal access to education and manage federal education programs. Contrary to popular belief, it does not control school curriculums. Instead, it plays a crucial role in funding schools, protecting students’ rights, and gathering important education data.

With an annual budget of about $79 billion and 4,400 employees, it is the smallest federal agency, but its impact is significant. It provides financial aid for college students, supports K-12 schools in low-income areas, enforces anti-discrimination laws, and collects data to improve education policies.

Key Responsibilities of the Department of Education

Managing Federal Student Aid: The department oversees $1.6 trillion in federal student loans, Pell Grants, and work-study programs, helping millions of students afford college. In 2024 alone, Pell Grants provided $28 billion in assistance to low-income students.
Funding K-12 Schools: It distributes $15.6 billion through Title I to schools serving low-income students and provides over $15 billion through IDEA to support students with disabilities. These programs help bridge the gap between wealthy and struggling school districts.
Protecting Student Rights: Through its Office for Civil Rights, the department enforces laws like Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to prevent discrimination in education. In 2024, it investigated thousands of cases related to race, gender, and disability discrimination.
Collecting and Analyzing Education Data: The department runs the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” which tracks student performance across states. It also funds research to improve teaching methods.

Trump’s Plan: Shutting Down the Department of Education

Trump’s executive order reportedly directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to start closing the department by transferring its responsibilities to other federal and state agencies. The order calls the department a “failed experiment” and claims it wastes taxpayer money while pushing “political agendas” in schools.

This idea isn’t new. Since Ronald Reagan’s presidency, conservatives have argued that education should be handled at the state level. Trump has been vocal about this, stating that the federal government “has no business controlling education” and accusing the department of promoting “inappropriate political content” in schools.

However, completely shutting down the department requires Congressional approval, making it a difficult process. While Trump’s plan won’t eliminate education programs like Title I or Pell Grants, moving them to other agencies could create delays and inefficiencies.

Who Wins and Who Loses?

If the Department of Education is shut down, there will be winners and losers:

Potential Benefits

More Local Control: States would have more power to decide how education funding is used.
School Choice Expansion: More federal funding could be redirected to private and charter schools.
Less Bureaucracy: Reducing federal oversight could streamline decision-making at the state level.

Potential Risks

Disruptions in Student Aid: Transferring federal student loans to the Treasury Department could cause confusion and delays in financial aid distribution.
Impact on Low-Income Schools: States relying heavily on Title I funding might struggle if funds are delayed or mismanaged.
Weakening Civil Rights Protections: Without a dedicated Office for Civil Rights, complaints about discrimination in schools may not be addressed as effectively.

Experts warn that while the department has flaws, removing it entirely could cause more harm than good. Dan Zibel, a former department official, argues, “You can’t just scatter these responsibilities across different agencies and expect them to work smoothly.”

The Political Battle Ahead

Even though Trump is determined to dismantle the Department of Education, getting Congress to approve it won’t be easy. In 2023, when House Republicans tried to pass a similar bill, 60 GOP members joined Democrats to block it. Many Republican lawmakers represent rural states that rely on federal education funding, making them hesitant to support Trump’s plan.

Public reaction is divided. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), some users cheer Trump’s decision as a win for states’ rights, while others fear it will hurt students, especially those in underprivileged areas.

Meanwhile, education unions and advocacy groups are gearing up for a fight. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and other organizations are warning that this move could destabilize public schools, affecting millions of students and teachers.

Conclusion: What Happens Next?

The Department of Education has been a central part of the U.S. education system for over 45 years. While some believe its elimination will reduce federal interference, others worry it could create chaos—especially for students who depend on federal aid.

With Congress holding the final decision, the battle over the future of education in America is far from over. Whether Trump succeeds in dismantling the department or not, the debate over federal vs. state control in education is here to stay.