Trump’s Education Secretary Faces Possible Move to Dismantle the Department: What You Need to Know

White House officials are reportedly preparing an executive order that could signal a significant overhaul of the U.S. Department of Education. Newly confirmed Secretary Linda McMahon has been directed to initiate the dismantling process, with potential action expected as early as this week.

McMahon, confirmed by the Senate, emphasized to department staff that the mission is to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies and decentralize authority to states. However, achieving a complete shutdown of the department would likely require congressional approval, presenting a complex challenge.

The Trump administration has already begun reshaping various components of the department’s operations. Notably, the Department of Government Efficiency, led by adviser Elon Musk, has terminated numerous contracts labeled as “woke” and wasteful. Significant staff reductions have also occurred, particularly within the Institute of Education Sciences, which tracks national academic performance.

The Education Department is primarily responsible for the distribution of billions in federal funding to educational institutions and maintaining the federal student loan portfolio. Eliminating it would necessitate shifting these responsibilities to other agencies, greatly impacting government oversight of education.

Trump’s education strategy hinges on reallocating federal funding, including potential cuts to schools and colleges that promote “critical race theory” or other perceived controversial content. His focus is on supporting school choice initiatives while rewarding states that reform teacher tenure policies.

Currently, federal funding constitutes about 14% of public school budgets, with higher education institutions relying more heavily on federal grants and aid. This dynamic could be challenged if drastic changes are enacted.

The department oversees around $1.5 trillion in student loan debt and administers key financial programs such as Pell Grants. Despite setbacks, the Biden administration managed to forgive a notable amount of student debt through various initiatives, a move that has drawn criticism from Republican opponents.

Trump has denounced student debt forgiveness efforts as illegal, offering no concrete alternative plan for managing the existing loan crisis.

In terms of civil rights enforcement, the Education Department plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal laws impacting various student groups. However, under Trump’s potential leadership, priorities may shift, directing focus to complaints of antisemitism and scrutinizing the participation of transgender athletes in schools.

One of Trump’s stated aims is to eliminate perceived discriminatory practices in schools based on race, advocating for a stricter interpretation of civil rights laws while opposing policies that promote diversity and equity.

Regarding college accreditation, the department does not directly accredit institutions but oversees the recognized accrediting agencies. Trump has suggested a complete overhaul of the accreditation process, proposing to fire agencies deemed too progressive.

The Education Department’s funding for K-12 education primarily supports programs for low-income and disabled students. Trump has indicated a desire to decentralize this funding, shifting responsibilities to state-level management without outlining specific mechanisms for this transition.

The framework provided by Project 2025 suggests a phased withdrawal of federal funding, ultimately converting it to unrestricted grants for states, a move that could change the landscape of public education significantly.

This article is based on reporting, including contributions from associated authors, and provides an overview of the current discourse surrounding potential changes in U.S. education policy.