Trump to Sign Executive Order to Begin Dismantling the Department of Education

The move to transfer federal education responsibilities to states faces legal and political hurdles, with critical programs set to be preserved.

Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education.
The initiative aims to shift federal education responsibilities to individual states while maintaining key programs like scholarships and funding for low-income schools.
The department announced layoffs of nearly half its staff on March 11, 2025, as part of the dismantling process.
Full closure of the department requires Senate approval, where Republicans lack the 60 votes needed to pass such legislation.
The plan has drawn significant opposition from Democrats, teacher unions, and parents, who argue it will harm disadvantaged schools and students with learning disabilities.