President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Thursday directing the shutdown of the Department of Education, a move that could fundamentally alter the U.S. education system by shifting oversight to the states. The executive order, first reported by USA Today, instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to dissolve the agency while ensuring continuity of services.
The department, which administers federal student loans, education grants, and civil rights protections in schools, had a $268 billion budget and over 4,000 staff in 2024. The White House says states will gain full control of their education policies, aligning with Trump’s long-standing goal of eliminating federal oversight of education. The order explicitly states that remaining federal education funds will not be used for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or gender-related initiatives.
Shuttering a federal department requires congressional approval, likely needing 60 Senate votes to overcome a Democratic filibuster. Legal experts warn the move could face lawsuits, with Michigan State University professor Josh Cowen calling it “a likely constitutional overreach.” Trump’s Project 2025 blueprint, backed by The Heritage Foundation, advocates for dissolving the agency, but McMahon admitted during her confirmation hearing that Congress would need to act.
The Education Department oversees funding for low-income schools, student loans, and civil rights protections. Critics warn its elimination could disrupt services for millions of students.
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