Dismantling the Department of Education: Implications for Schools, Families, and the Future

The biggest headline from the Department of Education this week is the Trump administration’s unprecedented move toward dismantling the agency itself. Last March, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to “take all steps necessary” to facilitate the closure of the Department. While completely eliminating the Department of Education still requires legislation—and Congress has yet to signal majority backing—the blueprint is in motion. In just the past week, the Department announced a major reduction in force, impacting every office, suggesting this is no mere political show but a concrete step toward stripping federal oversight of schools. At the same time, the Department is swiftly implementing new policies reflecting the administration’s priorities. Last month, Secretary McMahon confirmed that key college financial aid services, like the new 2026–2027 FAFSA form, are on track to launch October 1 as planned. But behind the scenes, teams are working to identify which Department programs—especially those not mandated by Congress—will be transferred elsewhere or eliminated. While some federal services could shift to other agencies, the fate of critical programs like Pell grants and special education funding remains uncertain. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and others have warned that cuts could limit student access to essential support. For families, educators, and students, the stakes are enormous. If major federal programs are moved to state control or axed altogether, resource gaps could widen, especially for students in high-need districts and those with disabilities. According to Education Minnesota’s president, removing Title I funding alone would cost thousands of teaching jobs and devastate services for marginalized communities. Businesses serving schools may face upheaval as federal contracts are canceled or rewritten, while states and local governments suddenly tasked with new responsibilities could see budget pressures skyrocket. On higher education, the White House has issued new requirements for colleges and universities, demanding greater transparency in admissions data and cracking down on the use of race or ethnicity as a factor—a move following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action. Secretary McMahon says this shift will “ensure admissions processes are fair and comply with federal law,” but critics argue it threatens diversity in higher education. Meanwhile, guidance supporting English Learner students has been rescinded, raising questions about equity under the recently declared national English-only policy. There are legal and political hurdles ahead. As Brookings Institution points out, full elimination of the Department isn’t possible by executive order alone—Congress must pass enabling legislation. With Republicans holding a slim Senate majority, bipartisan support will be required, making the future highly unpredictable. Nonetheless, This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.