The Trump administration has taken a bold step toward dismantling the Department of Education, with Secretary Linda McMahon announcing new interagency partnerships to shift key federal responsibilities to states and local school boards. McMahon argued that the recent government shutdown “proved” the Department is unnecessary, highlighting plans to move billions in education funding—including Title I grants for low-income schools—under the oversight of agencies like the Department of Labor.
Historic Overhaul and State Pushback
President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing McMahon to facilitate the Department’s closure “as quickly as possible,” marking the most aggressive push to end federal education oversight since the agency’s founding in 1979. Trump and McMahon say that returning power to the states will foster innovation and cut bureaucratic waste, while continuing support for essential programs like Pell Grants and special education. However, many state education officials warn this plan will actually create more confusion, duplicate bureaucracy, and threaten protections for vulnerable students as responsibilities disperse across multiple agencies.
What Happens Next?
Though the order sets transition plans into motion, Congress must approve any formal elimination of the department. Meanwhile, the White House maintains that federal funding for students, schools, and borrowers will remain uninterrupted. Critics—including teachers unions and special education advocates—argue that slashing oversight could lead to lower standards, siphoning public school money, and loss of civil rights protections.
Education Policy Debate Intensifies
McMahon’s approach has ignited fierce debate among educators and lawmakers, with some celebrating the end of “burdensome regulations” while others warn of widespread disruption and harm to marginalized students. With the Department of Education operating at less than half its former workforce, stakeholders now face uncertainty over how schools will navigate federal mandates and secure necessary resources going forward.