In the latest developments, President Donald Trump has been actively pursuing his long-held goal of scaling back the U.S. Department of Education, a move that has significant implications for federal education policies and funding.
Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, as the new Secretary of Education. However, until her Senate confirmation, Denise Carter has been appointed as the acting secretary. Carter, who previously served as the acting chief operating officer of the department’s Office of Federal Student Aid, will lead the department in the interim. Her appointment is part of over 30 similar acting roles Trump has filled across various departments shortly after his inauguration[3][5].
Trump's intention to dismantle the Department of Education is not new, but it has gained renewed momentum in his second term. He has directed McMahon to work towards putting herself "out of a job" by scaling back the department's role, emphasizing his preference for states to manage education rather than the federal government. This approach aligns with his broader policy of promoting school choice and reducing federal involvement in education[1][2].
The Trump administration has already taken several steps to shrink the department's footprint. This includes a hiring freeze across much of the executive branch and efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within the Education Department. Dozens of department staffers have been placed on administrative leave, and a deferred resignation offer has been extended to over 2 million federal employees. However, due to statutory protections, Trump cannot simply fire civil servants or abolish offices and positions created by Congress[1].
Recent executive orders have also impacted the Education Department. For instance, Trump issued an order aimed at ending "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schools, which includes plans to eliminate federal funding for schools that support what the administration deems as discriminatory treatment based on gender ideology and equity ideology. Additionally, the administration has reversed Title IX regulations, reverting to the 2020 rules that do not include protections for transgender students and require formal hearings for alleged Title IX violations[4].
The potential dismantling of the Department of Education raises significant concerns about the management of federal education programs and funding. Nearly $69 billion of the department's $103 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year is allocated to Federal Student Aid, which helps students pay for college or career training. The elimination of the department would also impact programs like Head Start and the collection and analysis of national education data[2].
Despite the administrative efforts to downsize the department, any major changes, such as eliminating offices required by statute or reallocating Title I funds, would require congressional approval and are likely to face significant legal and political challenges. The move to terminate the department would need 60 votes in the Senate, a tall order given the current political landscape[1].
