Trump Signs Executive Order to Begin Dismantling the Department of Education

On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to facilitate closure of the Department of Education, shifting authority over education to states and local communities while promising uninterrupted delivery of existing services and benefits.

Because only Congress can formally abolish a cabinet agency created by statute, the order cannot eliminate the department outright; a companion legislative repeal effort faces long odds given the votes required. Still, the administration can substantially shrink the department's staff, functions and enforcement capacity through executive action.

Supporters, drawing on a long-standing conservative goal reflected in Project 2025, argue education policy belongs with states. Critics, including teachers' unions that vowed to sue, warned the move threatens civil-rights enforcement, student aid administration and national education standards, opening a prolonged period of legal and administrative uncertainty for schools and families.