FALLOUT FROM TRUMP'S EFFORT TO ABOLISH DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The Department of Education, established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, is a Cabinet-level federal agency that plays a critical role in shaping national education policy and distributing federal funds to schools across the nation.

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Donald Trump, in an unexpected move, took decisive steps towards dismantling the U.S. Department of Education on March 20, 2025. This move comes after years of criticism aimed at the federal agency and its role in overseeing education laws and funding. With a bold executive order, Trump, surrounded by schoolchildren at the White House, declared his intent to abolish the department, emphasizing that education should be controlled at the state level rather than the federal government. He proclaimed, "We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It's doing us no good," and asserted, "We're going to return education back to the states where it belongs." This dramatic shift is set to have far-reaching consequences for students, educators, and the future of education policy in the United States.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION?

The Department of Education, established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, is a Cabinet-level federal agency that plays a critical role in shaping national education policy and distributing federal funds to schools across the nation. While it does not directly set the curriculum for schools (a responsibility left to state and local authorities), it is involved in enforcing federal education laws, overseeing anti-discrimination measures, and ensuring equitable access to education for all students.

Among its many functions, the Department of Education administers federal student loan programs, manages grants for higher education, and helps to provide financial aid to students in need. The department's budget, which stands at around $268 billion, supports thousands of programs designed to assist disadvantaged students and improve educational outcomes for underprivileged groups.