Dismantling the Department of Education

Trump administration officials are discussing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education as part of efforts by Elon Musk's DOGE team to gain control over federal spending.

Trump and Elon Musk launched mass layoffs at federal agencies, with termination notices sent to the Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as part of efforts to downsize the federal government.

Former NCES Commissioner James Woodworth condemned cuts to the US Education Department, criticizing the administration for making changes 'without knowing what they're doing.' The Senate confirmed Linda McMahon, a wrestling industry billionaire, as Education Secretary.

Trump signed an order barring student loan forgiveness for public servants engaged in 'improper activities,' affecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

More than one quarter of staff members at the only two federally run colleges for Native American students were terminated in February, prompting tribal organizations and students to file lawsuits against the Trump administration.

The USDA cut more than $1 billion in local food purchases for schools and food banks, raising concerns that millions of children could lose access to free school meals as food costs rise.

The Department of Education announced layoffs of more than 1,300 employees, reducing the agency by approximately half. Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the cuts as a 'significant step towards restoring greatness.'

Democratic attorneys general from more than 20 states file lawsuit to block Trump administration cuts to the Education Department after more than 1,300 employees were laid off in a single day.

Trump administration officials announced plans to sign an executive order on Thursday aimed at dismantling the Education Department and reassigning some of its primary duties. The Justice Department also removed disability guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act website following a Trump order.

President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the US Department of Education, calling for its teardown, though Congress and federal law stand in his way. The order has already led to staff cuts and program gutting, and raises questions about management of federal student loans affecting millions of Americans.

Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Education to dismantle itself, ordering the secretary to take 'all necessary steps' to dissolve the department. Democrats and education advocates denounced the move as unconstitutional, noting that only Congress has the authority to eliminate a federal agency.

The Trump administration issued a memo requiring public schools to verify they have eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or face potential funding loss. The Education Department threatened to withhold federal funds from schools that fail to comply.

Trump announced the student loan program would be moved from the Department of Education to the Small Business Administration, with experts warning the relocation will put borrowers at risk.

Trump proposed cutting $163 billion in non-defense federal funding while proposing a 13% increase to military spending to over $1 trillion in a 'skinny budget' that targets education, health, and climate programs.

The White House unveiled a new budget blueprint showing stark cuts across education, health, housing, and labor programs, including reductions to college aid and cancer research funding.

Trump withheld nearly $7 billion in education funding that had been allocated by Congress for after-school programs, English language learning support, and other services, with little explanation provided.

The Supreme Court cleared the way for Trump's cuts to the Education Department, expanding executive power and allowing the president to dismantle the inner workings of the federal agency. The cuts have affected the department's main functions including civil rights investigations, financial aid, education research, and federal funding disbursement.

The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to move forward with plans to dismantle the Education Department, with administration officials already beginning the process of transferring certain functions to other agencies.

Native American universities and colleges warned they face closure if Trump's proposed 2026 budget cuts pass, with Indigenous leaders expressing alarm over potential defunding that could devastate higher education institutions serving tribal communities.

PBS and public broadcasters condemned Trump's proposed budget cuts as 'devastating,' warning that smaller outlets could face total closure. The PBS chief stated the cuts 'go against the will of the American people.'

The White House released $5.5 billion in congressionally approved education funding that it had previously withheld, following Republican backlash.

The Trump administration announced plans to cut all funding to the Migrant Education Program, threatening the futures of approximately 250,000 children of seasonal farm workers who currently depend on the program for educational support.

The U.S. Education Department reassigned many of its powers to other federal agencies in a move marking further dismantling of the department. Democrats criticized the administration for 'slashing resources' to education.

The Trump administration announced plans to halt the Biden-era 'Save' student loan repayment program, which critics called 'devastating' for borrowers. The Education Department labeled the program 'illegal' as part of efforts to reverse previous administration policies.

Democratic-led states filed lawsuits to block student loan caps proposed by the Trump administration. The administration claims the caps will lower tuition costs, while critics argue they will worsen the country's nursing shortage.

President Trump's administration is dismantling the Department of Education by moving oversight of special education and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, including the Department of Justice. This marks the most aggressive move yet to dismantle the Education Department.

The Biden-era SAVE student loan repayment plan was terminated by the Trump administration, leaving millions of borrowers 90 days to find alternative repayment options after the plan was ruled unconstitutional.