Will Trump Really Shut Down the Department of Education?

The Trump administration has signaled plans to shutter the U.S. Department of Education. Trump plans to cut programs and staff via executive orders and call on Congress to close the department entirely—despite 87.3% of Americans benefitting from the program. 

The Department of Education's Role

The U.S. Department of Education, established in 1979, oversees three critical areas:

1. Managing $1.6 trillion in federal student loan debt

2. Overseeing implementation and enforcement of special education laws

3. Administering Title I funding for lower-income students

   
   

With approximately 4,400 employees and an annual budget of $79 billion, the department plays a crucial role in administering federal student aid programs, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, shaping national education policy, and providing federal support to schools across the country.

Proposed Changes and Limitations

While President Trump has expressed interest in shutting down the department, doing so requires congressional approval—a difficult feat given that Congress created the department and must vote to dismantle it.

However, the administration can take executive action to reduce its size and impact by:

• Cutting Staffing: The administration has already placed 74 non-management employees—exclusively those who have received DEI training—on paid leave.

• Targeting Diversity Programs: Federal DEI initiatives, including those within the Education Department, face elimination.

• Reducing Discretionary Grants: Programs funded through annual appropriations rather than permanent laws could be slashed.

• Shrinking Administrative Functions: The department’s internal operations and management budget may be reduced.

Already the administration has: 

1. Staff Reductions: At least 74 non-management staff, exclusively ones that have received DEI training, have been placed on paid administrative leave. 

2. Executive Action: The administration is reportedly considering executive action to shut down department programs not protected by law, which could come as early as this week.

3. Legislative Proposals: Conservative think tanks like those behind Project 2025 have recommended closing the department and converting programs like Title I and IDEA into block grants. 

   
   
   
   

How This Will Impact You

The proposed changes could have far-reaching effects on education across the United States:

1. Federal Student Loans: If the management of the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio is transferred to the Treasury Department, borrowers might experience changes in loan servicing, repayment options, or customer service.

   1. SAVE Plan Jeopardy: Potential elimination of the Biden administration's affordable repayment plan could mean higher monthly payments, reduced loan forgiveness options, and faster interest accumulation

2. The borrower impact is that there is an increased risk of loan default (43% of SAVE benefits went to Black borrowers,  71% benefited female borrowers) 

   
   

Key risks involve more restrictive income protection thresholds, less favorable repayment terms, and a potential return to pre-pandemic default rates

1. Special Education: The U.S. government provided over $15 billion in 2024 towards IDEA funding, which provided over $15 billion in FY 2024, now, this program could face changes in administration or funding structure.

2. Education Policy: A diminished Department of Education could lead to less federal guidance on education issues, potentially resulting in greater variability in policies and standards across states.

3. Data and Research: Changes could affect the availability of information used by researchers, policymakers, and families to make informed decisions.

4. Civil Rights Enforcement: Any reduction in the department's Office for Civil Rights could impact the federal government's ability to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints in educational settings.

5. Teacher Support: Programs supporting teacher training and development may be affected, potentially influencing the quality of instruction in classrooms nationwide.

6. Higher Education Oversight: Changes could affect how colleges and universities are accredited and monitored, potentially impacting the value and recognition of degrees.

7. Low-Income Support: Title I funding, which allocated $15.6 billion in 2022 to districts serving lower-income communities, might be converted to block grants with less federal oversight.

8. Reduced Targeted Support: Currently, Title I funds are specifically directed to schools with high percentages of low-income students. Converting to block grants could dilute this focus, potentially leaving some high-poverty schools with less support.

9. Increased Disparities: Without strict federal oversight, states might have more discretion in fund allocation, potentially leading to wider educational disparities between states and districts.

10. Program Cuts: Specialized programs currently funded by Title I, such as after-school tutoring or additional staff for struggling students, might face cuts if states prioritize different initiatives.

11. Less Accountability: The shift might reduce federal ability to ensure funds are effectively used to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged students.

    
    
    
    

Congressional Roadblocks and Public Support for Education Programs

Bipartisan support for key education programs remains strong:

• Title I (Low-Income School Funding): Supported by 82% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats (2024 Pew Research).

• IDEA (Special Education Services): Backed by 87% of voters across party lines.

With narrow Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, it remains unlikely that Congress will approve the full elimination of the Department of Education, but the diminished capacity through Trump’s executive orders will still have major impacts.