Donald Trump wants immediate shutdown of US Education Department
Donald Trump has expressed his desire to shut down the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) immediately, calling it a “con job”. He stated that the U.S. ranks 40th in the world in education despite spending more per pupil than any other country.
Responsibilities of the Department of Education:
Manages student loans and grants: The DOE facilitates the federal grant and student loan system, managing a $1.7 trillion student-loan portfolio. It also develops the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provides Pell Grants for college students.
Oversees schools and colleges: The Office of Civil Rights within the DOE investigates discrimination complaints at K-12 schools and colleges.
Collects data on student outcomes: The DOE’s research arm monitors key student outcomes, including math and reading literacy scores.
Potential Impacts of Closing the DOE:
Shutting down the DOE could disrupt billions of dollars in aid to students.
Some Republicans have suggested that the Treasury Department could take over managing grants and student loans.
Eliminating the DOE would require Congressional approval.
Trump has been working to reduce the functions of many federal agencies. As part of this effort, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been directed to review federal expenses, with the DOE recently placed on the “chopping block”.
Donald Trump has expressed his desire to immediately shut down the U.S. Department of Education, calling it a “big con job”. He stated that the U.S. ranks 40th globally in education despite spending the most per pupil. Trump intends to return the responsibility for education to the states.
Trump has been pushing for major changes within the U.S. federal government, including federal workforce reduction.
He has also attempted to shut down agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Trump’s administration is pushing for education reforms, and reports suggest officials may shut down the DOE entirely.
Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is expected to evaluate the Department of Education for potential cost cuts.
Linda McMahon, Trump’s education secretary pick, is appearing before Congress for her confirmation hearing.
Potential Impacts and Challenges:
An immediate closure could disrupt billions of dollars in aid to students.
The Department of Education oversees critical educational support and funding programs, manages grants and student loans, collects data on student outcomes, and oversees schools and colleges.
Eliminating the agency would require Congressional approval.
Conservative think tanks have suggested other agencies could run the department’s programs.
