While a president can wield executive orders to influence federal agencies, abolishing the Department of Education entirely is not something the executive branch can do on its own. Accordsing to NBC Washington, "On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to eliminate the agency, which he has called a 'con job.' Now in office, he and billionaire Elon Musk have taken steps toward that by slashing staff and millions of dollars’ worth of contracts."
It’s important to distinguish between limiting the department’s functions and outright eliminating it. The department was created by an act of Congress in 1979, and any proposal to dismantle it would require Congressional approval. This means that even with administrative directives, the department’s existence—and many of its core programs—are protected by federal law.For example, education-specific programs, civil rights oversight mechanisms, or federal funding streams couldn’t simply disappear. Congress would need to pass legislation to fully dismantle the department, making this a more complex legal and legislative process than some may realize.
The Department of Education supports key federal programs such as Title I, which provides funding to schools with high percentages of low-income students, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures services for students with disabilities. If the department were dismantled, these programs wouldn’t necessarily disappear but might be moved to other federal organizations, such as the Department of Health and Human Services or the Treasury. Alternatively, their funding could be turned into block grants and distributed to the states.
Shifting these programs or handing their control to states has potential benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, it could allow states to tailor programs to fit their unique needs. On the other hand, relying on states might exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly between wealthier and poorer regions. States with fewer resources could struggle to fund critical programs at the same level as others, putting vulnerable students at risk.
If the Department of Education were defunded or dismantled, the immediate consequences would likely be felt most acutely in K-12 schools. The department provides billions of dollars each year to support schools serving low-income students, students with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. Losing this funding—or facing delays in its redistribution—could create significant challenges for schools.
States would have to pick up the slack by either increasing education budgets or finding new ways to distribute available funds. This shift could lead to disparities between states, as wealthier ones might manage better while poorer states could struggle to maintain the same level of support. For example, some districts could see cuts to staff, special education programs, or after-school initiatives. This would disproportionately impact students who rely on these services the most.
Millions of college students depend on federal student aid, including Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and forgiveness programs. If the department ceased to exist, these programs would likely move to another agency, such as the Treasury, or could even be privatized. Privatizing federal student loans, for instance, might limit access to affordable financing for low-income students. Interest rates might rise, or eligibility requirements could become more restrictive, making it harder for students to afford college.
Public universities would also feel the strain, as they often rely on federal funding for research and student support programs. Conversely, private colleges might see a boost if voucher systems or other reforms shift resources away from public institutions. This could shift the higher education landscape significantly, potentially widening gaps between different socioeconomic groups.
One of the Department of Education’s less visible but critical roles is enforcing civil rights laws in schools. This includes ensuring that students aren’t discriminated against based on race, gender, disability, or other factors. State governments already vary widely in their approaches to civil rights. Some might lack the resources or political will to investigate complaints and ensure compliance with federal laws. For families, this could make it harder to receive fair treatment or have their concerns addressed.
Additionally, civil rights cases require specialized expertise. Transferring this responsibility to another agency like the Department of Justice might dilute its focus on education-specific issues. Families and schools would likely have to navigate a more bureaucratic and complicated system to resolve disputes, further discouraging accountability and fairness.
The process of dismantling the Department of Education would not be seamless. Transferring responsibilities, funding, and staff to other agencies or states is a massive logistical challenge. It could create delays in program delivery, confusion about new oversight frameworks, and inefficiencies in how resources are distributed. For example, state governments might face challenges in taking over programs they’ve never run before.
Additionally, federal agencies receiving new responsibilities would need time to integrate and understand their new roles. This adjustment period could disrupt the effectiveness of previously well-established programs. Critics argue that such chaos might outweigh any potential gains, leaving students and families in limbo while government agencies shuffle responsibilities.
Public schools serve the vast majority of American students, and they rely on federal funding to address inequities that state funding alone cannot resolve. Without this support, many districts might struggle to provide quality education for all students, particularly those in underfunded areas. Increased reliance on private and parochial schools might divert public funding toward voucher systems that benefit families already considering private education, but leaves public schools with fewer resources to serve those who need them most.
Critics warn that dismantling or defunding the Department of Education risks eroding the very foundation of equitable education in America. For generations, public education has been a pathway to opportunity for millions. Shifting away from a federally coordinated system could threaten that legacy, raising tough questions about access, fairness, and responsibility in education.
