US President Donald Trump’s administration is taking further steps to dismantle the Department of Education and move its functions to other federal departments.
The decision drew backlash from Democrats who say it hurts students and called it an attack on public education.
Before signing the executive order in March 2025, Trump said he had to educate his children. “We are not doing well with the world of education in this country and haven’t been for a long time.”
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New partnerships
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the administration is taking bold steps to break up federal education bureaucracy and bring education back to the states.
The functions currently held by the ministry would go to the Department of Labour, State, Home Affairs, Health and Social Services.
Six new interagency agreements (IAAs) with four departments will streamline federal education activities on statutorily required programs, reduce administrative burdens and refocus programs and activities to better serve students and grantees, the Department of Education said in a statement.
“Together, we will refocus education on students, families and schools — ensuring that federal taxpayer spending supports a world-class education system,” said Linda McMahon.
Two days ago, in a presidential message at American Education Week, Trump said that every American student deserves a high-quality education, and through dismantling his administration, he is returning sanity to classrooms; and building a generation of thinkers, builders and leaders who are ready to move our nation forward.
“By dismantling the Department of Education, his administration has returned control of education to where it belongs — with states, local communities and parents best equipped to meet the needs of their students,” he said. Trump in his message.
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The move drew sharp reactions from Democrats and some Republicans.
It states that only Congress, the U.S. Senators, have the power to close the Department of Education Elizabeth Warren called Linda McMahon a “liar” and said the Trump administration is leading an illegal attack on public school children.
“Instead of working to reduce costs for Americans, the Trump administration is determined to punish underserved students,” Warren said in a statement.
U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick said the department’s functions are fundamental” and changing them without congressional oversight would pose a real risk to students, Reuters reported.
As the Trump administration takes steps to bring education back to the states, what will happen to current education department employees, federal student loans, and the money schools and colleges receive?
Will there be layoffs?
The moves will not affect money Congress gives to states, schools and colleges, the AP reported, citing education officials.
However, it is unclear whether the department’s current staff would keep their jobs.
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What will happen to the funding of schools and universities?
The money that schools and colleges receive will continue to be awarded as appropriated by Congress. Schools in the US are primarily funded by state and local money. However, the Department of Education serves as a conduit for federal aid directed to educational agencies.
Education officials say the money will continue to be awarded as appropriated by Congress, but much of it will flow from another federal agency. That money will now likely flow from another federal agency.
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What Happens to Federal Student Loans?
Administration of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio is one of the department’s primary roles. According to the AP, Pell Grants and federal loans will continue to be disbursed, and student loan borrowers must continue to repay their debts.
What happens to students with disabilities?
The Ministry of Education will continue to distribute money to schools to support the education of students with disabilities.
