President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, stating at a White House ceremony, “Education is going back to the states, where it belongs.”
BREAKING: Trump formally announces that he will shutdown the Federal Department of Education and return education back to the states
Any institution that exists solely to justify its continued existence shouldn’t exist. The DOE has done nothing for We The People, TIME TO GO! pic.twitter.com/tbuimH3TAX
— George (@BehizyTweets) June 22, 2024
Trump claims the department spent $3 trillion without improving student performance, directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to prepare for its closure though services like student aid will continue for now.
Democrats and teachers’ unions called it “dangerous” and launched opposition, arguing it will harm poor students, while 20 states have challenged it in court.