The Trump administration has begun significant efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, but full abolition requires congressional action since the department was established by law in 1979.
Current Status includes:
– In March 2025, President Trump ordered Education Secretary Linda McMahon to start closing the department, leading to a nearly 50% staff reduction and transferring some functions back to states.
– On November 18, 2025, a restructuring plan was announced, which includes:
– Transferring six offices to four other federal departments: Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Interior, and State.
– For instance, elementary and secondary education programs are moving to Labor, while Native American education will be handled by Interior.
– This restructuring aims to demonstrate to Congress that the department is unnecessary.
– Core functions such as the Office for Civil Rights and Federal Student Aid remain under review, with no final decisions announced.
Administration’s Justification
Officials argue that these changes will reduce federal bureaucracy, empower states, and focus resources on students. This aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the department.
Opposition and Legal Concerns:
– Critics assert that transferring offices without congressional approval violates the law.
– Concerns exist that these changes could disrupt services for low-income students and those with disabilities, potentially leaving them without necessary protections.
– Legal challenges are expected against these actions.
Looking Ahead
The future of the Department of Education is uncertain. Unless Congress moves to abolish it, a future administration could restore its functions.
While the department has been significantly reduced, it remains a Cabinet-level entity, and any complete abolition would require legislative action, which has not been aggressively pursued by Republicans. The administration aims to use these transfers to justify permanent changes.
JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee. He is the Contributing Editor to TriStar Daily.
