On March 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order which eliminated multiple services of the Department of Education (DOE). The order mandated that if any school program receives funds from the DOE, “they’re required to not give any center of attention on equity, diversity or inclusion as a condition of receiving funds.” President Trump’s order came after the White House ordered the Department to stop funding 1,300 employees.
The Department announced six new interagency agreements with four agencies to break up federal education. Linda McMahon, the 13th U.S. secretary of education, who assumed office as of March 3rd, 2025. “The Trump Administration is taking bold action to break up the federal bureaucracy and return education to the states.” The move signals a major shift in how federal agencies may handle responsibilities.
Trump officials understand they lack the necessary votes to end the DOE the way they want to. However, President Trump instructed the U.S secretary of education Linda McMahon to, “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states.” Trump remarked, “other agencies and departments will be reserved and will be taken care of
Almost all of the public schools in the nation except the ones who refuse the funds, receive funding provided by states and governments, exercising control over curriculums. The Department of Education administers funding for students with disabilities, and funding for low income students. The law does not allow to fire or cut staff, or limit the activities of the agency, as Congress currently funds the programs. Trump’s lack of authority to shut down the Department of Education ultimately made his attempts unsuccessful and schools will still receive funding throughout 2026.
