The Trump administration is moving forward with a major restructuring of the Department of Education, with plans to scale back federal oversight and shift more control to the states.
BREAKING: President Donald Trump plans an executive order to “dismantle” the U.S. Department of Education – Washington Post pic.twitter.com/YQcKs23X5d
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 3, 2025
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The effort, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is part of a broader initiative to reduce the size of federal agencies and eliminate what officials view as unnecessary bureaucracy.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, administration officials are considering an executive order that would eliminate all functions of the Department of Education that are not explicitly mandated by law.
The order may also call for transferring some responsibilities to other federal agencies while developing a legislative proposal to abolish the department entirely.
The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s longstanding pledge to dismantle the Department of Education.
#BREAKING: President Trump is currently evaluating plans to close up the U.S. Department of Education, per WSJ
HELL YES!
“I will be closing up the Department of Education, Washington DC, and will send all education BACK TO THE STATES,” President Trump said prior to taking… pic.twitter.com/EMR1eOZCeC
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 3, 2025
Conservatives have criticized the agency for policies implemented under the Biden-Harris administration, particularly its role in student loan forgiveness and its decision to extend sex-discrimination protections in education to LGBTQ individuals.
The Trump administration’s proposal would limit federal involvement in education and allow states to have greater control over curriculum and funding decisions.
While the department cannot be abolished without congressional approval, the executive order is expected to significantly reduce its influence.
Administration officials are still finalizing details, including the timing of the order’s release.
#BREAKING: President Trump will be signing an executive order to “dismantle” the Department of Education, per WaPo
“I will shut down the federal Department of Education, and we will move everything back to the states where it belongs!”
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 3, 2025
Some within the administration, particularly the team working with Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon, have reportedly advised waiting to issue the order until after her Senate confirmation.
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The Senate has not yet scheduled a hearing for McMahon, as officials are waiting for her ethics paperwork to be processed.
Concerns about the timing stem from recent challenges faced by Russell Vought, Trump’s nominee for director of the Office of Management and Budget.
His confirmation was complicated by the White House’s freeze on federal assistance, and officials want to avoid a similar scenario that could impact McMahon’s approval.
Ahead of the department’s restructuring, dozens of Department of Education employees were placed on administrative leave late last week.
According to a report from ABC News, affected employees received notices at the end of the business day on Friday.
While the notices did not specify reasons for the administrative leave, some employees believe it is connected to their participation in the department’s “Diversity Change-Agent Training Program.”
The letter stated that the administrative leave was not a disciplinary action but was being issued under President Trump’s executive order on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
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Employees placed on leave will continue to receive full pay and benefits for the duration of their leave period.
They are not required to report to work or complete job-related tasks and had their government email access suspended upon receiving the notice.
The letters did not specify how long the administrative leave would last.
The Department of Education is the latest federal agency to face restructuring under the Trump administration’s efficiency efforts.
The Treasury Department, USAID, and the Small Business Administration are also undergoing changes as part of a broader initiative to reduce government spending and streamline operations.
With the restructuring of the Department of Education now underway, officials anticipate pushback from bureaucrats and Democratic lawmakers opposed to these cuts.
The administration is expected to proceed with the executive order in the coming weeks, setting the stage for a major shift in federal education policy.
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