President Donald Trump is actively pursuing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, aligning with his longstanding goal to transfer educational oversight from the federal government to individual states. This initiative is part of his broader policy agenda, known as Agenda 47, which includes significant changes to federal involvement in education.
On March 3, 2025, Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWE and former head of the Small Business Administration, was sworn in as the Secretary of Education. Her appointment underscores the administration’s commitment to restructuring the department. In her initial communication to staff, McMahon emphasized embarking on a “historic final mission” to remove bureaucratic obstacles and return control of education to the states.
President Trump is preparing an executive order to initiate the closure of the Department of Education. However, legal experts note that fully abolishing a federal department requires congressional approval, making the complete dissolution of the department uncertain.
The administration’s plans have faced opposition from various quarters. Key Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, have expressed reservations about completely abolishing the department, highlighting the importance of certain federal educational functions. Additionally, educators and advocacy groups, such as the National Education Association, warn that dismantling the department could negatively impact students, particularly those in low-income communities, and undermine civil rights protections.
As the situation develops, stakeholders across the education sector are closely monitoring the administration’s actions and preparing for potential shifts in federal education policy.
