Texas Border Project
WASHINGTON, DC – March 20, 2025 – In a major change in federal education policy, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education on Thursday, March 20, 2025, launching a controversial move to transfer the department’s key responsibility to other federal agencies.
While acknowledging that formal abolition of the department requires Congressional Act, the executive order directs Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to take all possible steps within her authority to begin the process immediately.
“This administration is committed to bringing education decisions back to the state and the community,” Trump said during his brief appearance at the White House. “We are streamlining the functioning of the federal government to reduce bureaucracy and empower families.”
This announcement follows recent downsizing within the division. Earlier this month, almost 50% of staff in the education sector were fired, bringing the workforce down from 4,133 employees in January 2025 to 2,183 today.
The White House has framed the layoffs as part of its restructuring strategy. The executive order formalizes its strategy and outlines the redistribution of specific federal education programs.
Continuing student programs under the new institution
According to administrative staff, core student support programs (PELL grants, federal student loans, services for students with special needs) will not be excluded, but will be transferred to other departments.
•Pell’s grants and student loans likely fall under the departments of the Department of Treasury or the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Programs for special education and children with disabilities will be moved to institutions responsible for medical and family services.
The legislature retains the final decision
Despite the bold language of the executive order, legal experts point out that disbanding federal cabinet-level departments requires Congressional approval, and such attempts are likely to face important political and legal hurdles.
Still, the administration appears poised to reconstruct how the federal government approaches education without removing the department.
At this time, there are no specific timelines set up for program reassignment or full shutdown of remaining functions in the department. With us for ongoing updates as legislative and state education leaders respond to this developing story.
