Trump Dismantles Education Department Amid Rising Backlash
President Donald Trump has ordered the closure of the U.S. Department of Education, following through on a long-standing conservative goal. With this bold move, Trump dismantles Education Department authority and shifts major responsibilities to state and local governments. He claims the department has failed to improve learning outcomes and promotes “woke” agendas that waste taxpayer money.
The department, created in 1979, manages federal funding, enforces civil rights laws in schools, and oversees aid programs. Critics now warn that losing its centralized oversight could harm students, especially those in underfunded districts or requiring special support.
What The Decision Means For Schools
Trump dismantles Education Department functions that directly impact millions of students and educators. In the short term, classrooms may not change drastically. However, the long-term effects could be severe. Many states depend on federal funds to operate schools—especially those serving low-income, disabled, or English-learning students.
States like Mississippi and Alaska receive over 20% of their education budgets from federal sources. Without federal enforcement, these funds could be redirected toward private school vouchers or other unrelated expenses. This shift risks deepening educational inequality across the country.
Student Loans Shift To New Oversight
One of the most significant changes involves the $1.6 trillion federal student loan program. Trump dismantles Education Department control of loans by transferring management to the Small Business Administration. The administration claims student aid will continue, but staffing cuts have already caused website outages and delays.
Conservative lawmakers support privatizing student loan systems. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos once proposed creating a private bank-like agency to handle loans. Borrowers now face uncertainty as this plan unfolds.
School Meals Not Directly Affected
The USDA funds school meal programs, so this part of public education remains untouched by the executive order. However, the agency has already ended a $1 billion COVID-era initiative that supported local food sourcing. While meals will still be served, food quality and supply chains could be affected over time.
DEI Programs Face Federal Crackdown
Even while Trump dismantles Education Department operations, he continues to assign it tasks. He ordered the remaining staff to identify and penalize schools with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The move has sparked concern among civil rights advocates who argue it targets vulnerable student groups.
Many worry that eliminating the department while cracking down on DEI efforts sends a dangerous message. Without federal protection, LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and others may lose access to the resources and legal backing they previously relied on.
Legal And Legislative Hurdles Ahead
Dismantling a federal department requires an act of Congress. While Republican lawmakers plan to introduce such legislation, strong opposition from Democrats could block the effort. Legal challenges are also expected to delay implementation.
In the meantime, Trump’s order has already begun shifting authority away from Washington. The question now is whether the next administration will continue that process or work to reverse it.
