As President Donald Trump continues efforts to reduce federal agencies, one of his main targets has been the U.S. Department of Education. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to eliminate the department, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed on Fox News that he “clearly intends” to sign an order targeting her department.
“He couldn’t be any clearer when he says he wants me to put myself out of a job,” McMahon stated.
With discussions of major changes underway, many students, parents, teachers, and administrators are questioning what the Department of Education actually does and how its closure could impact daily school operations. People are also asking whether such a move would even be legal.
What Does the Department of Education Do?
The Department of Education does not dictate school curricula or decide what students are taught. Individual states already determine educational content, so Trump’s plan to “send education back to the states” would largely maintain the current system.
However, the federal government does play a role in ensuring schools that receive federal funding comply with non-discrimination laws. The department also protects the rights of students with disabilities and ensures low-income schools receive necessary resources to support students. Additionally, the agency oversees regulations that hold colleges accountable for preparing students for careers and distributes billions of dollars in financial aid.
Can Trump Close the Department of Education?
No, Trump cannot close the Department of Education on his own. The Constitution gives Congress the authority to create and eliminate federal agencies. Since the department was established by Congress, lawmakers must pass new legislation to close it.
Even Education Secretary McMahon acknowledged during her confirmation hearing that she would need to work with Congress to reduce or reorganize the agency.
Could Congress Close the Department?
While Congress has the power to abolish the department, passing such a law would be difficult. With the Republican Party holding only a slim majority in the Senate, they would need support from at least seven Democrats — an unlikely scenario.
A more realistic option would involve Congress passing legislation to transfer the department’s responsibilities to other government agencies. However, this would also require bipartisan support.
What Happens to Financial Aid If the Department Closes?
Even if the Education Department shuts down, its financial aid functions must continue by law. Federal financial aid programs are governed by the Higher Education Act of 1965, which mandates student loans, grants, and other assistance.
If the department closes, Congress would need to assign these responsibilities to another agency. Trump has proposed moving the Federal Student Aid office to the Small Business Administration, but this shift could be challenging. The office, which employs over 1,400 people, is essential to the financial aid system.
Would FAFSA Be Affected?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for students seeking financial assistance. If the Education Department closes, the FAFSA process would likely continue under another agency. However, staffing changes or delays caused by transferring responsibilities could create problems for students in the short term.
What About Student Loans?
Federal student loans would still exist as long as Congress maintains these programs. However, administrative delays or disruptions could arise if responsibilities shift to another department.
Will School Curricula Change?
No, the Education Department does not control what schools teach. K-12 and college course content will remain unaffected.
Will Colleges Lose Funding?
The Trump administration has already reduced some college funding through other policy changes. For example, a proposed cut to National Institutes of Health funding threatened billions of dollars in research grants before a federal judge blocked the move. While colleges may continue to face budget challenges, these are not directly linked to the Education Department’s status.
Will Special Education Support Be Affected?
No, services for students with disabilities are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures free and appropriate education for students with disabilities.
However, filing complaints regarding violations may become more difficult if staffing reductions occur within the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, which handles such cases. While the office resumed investigating disability-related complaints after a brief pause, concerns remain about future delays.
Conclusion
While President Trump’s plans to close the Education Department face legal obstacles, his administration continues to push for significant changes. Although some functions may be transferred to other agencies, crucial services like financial aid, non-discrimination protections, and special education support are protected by existing laws. Still, the uncertainty surrounding staff reductions and department restructuring could create delays and confusion for students, parents, and educators alike.
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