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Washington, D.C. — March 20, 2025– In a major shift in federal education policy, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education on Thursday, March 20, 2025, initiating a controversial move that would transfer the department’s key responsibilities to other federal agencies.
While acknowledging that the formal elimination of the department would require an act of Congress, the executive order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all possible steps within her authority to begin the process immediately.
“This administration is committed to returning education decisions back to states and local communities,” Trump said during a brief appearance at the White House. “We are streamlining federal functions to reduce bureaucracy and empower families.”
The announcement follows recent downsizing within the department. Earlier this month, nearly 50% of the Education Department’s staff were laid off, reducing the workforce from 4,133 employees in January 2025 to 2,183 today.
The White House framed the layoffs as part of a restructuring strategy. The executive order formalizes that strategy and outlines the redistribution of certain federal education programs.
Student Programs to Continue Under New Agencies
According to administration officials, programs central to student support — such as Pell Grants, federal student loans, and services for students with special needs — will not be eliminated but will be transferred to other departments.
• Pell Grants and student loans will likely fall under the Department of the Treasury or Health and Human Services.
• Programs for special education and children with disabilities will move to agencies with healthcare and family service responsibilities.
Congress Holds Final Say
Despite the executive order’s bold language, legal experts note that dissolving a federal cabinet-level department requires congressional approval, and any such attempt is likely to face significant political and legal hurdles.
Still, the administration appears poised to reshape how the federal government approaches education — even without eliminating the department.
As of now, no specific timeline has been set for the reallocation of programs or the complete shutdown of the department’s remaining functions.Stay with us for continued updates as Congress and state education leaders respond to this developing story.
