In recent years, the U.S. Department of Education has found itself at the center of a growing political firestorm. Calls to “dismantle” or even “abolish” the department particularly from conservative leaders like Donald Trump have raised big questions about what the agency actually does, and whether a president truly has the power to eliminate it.
What Does the U.S. Department of Education Do?
Established in 1979, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is a federal agency tasked with supporting education nationwide not by running schools, but by ensuring equal access to quality education and promoting student achievement.
Its main roles include:
- Distributing federal funding to states, school districts, and colleges.
- Enforcing federal education laws, including Title IX and civil rights protections.
- Collecting and analyzing data on America’s schools and students.
- Overseeing student loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant and FAFSA.
- Supporting disadvantaged students, including those with disabilities or from low-income families.
In short, the department acts more as a coordinator and watchdog than a central planner.
Why Do Some Politicians Want to Abolish It?
Opposition to the department stems largely from concerns about federal overreach. Critics argue that education should be controlled at the state or local level, not in Washington, D.C. This perspective has long been popular among conservatives who believe that federal involvement leads to bureaucracy, inefficiency, and a one-size-fits-all approach to schooling.
Donald Trump, during both his 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns, echoed this sentiment. His 2024 platform included calls to “shut down” the Department of Education, labeling it as bloated and ineffective.
Can a President Actually Eliminate It?
Not unilaterally. While presidents can advocate for changes and appoint department heads who reflect their philosophy, dismantling a cabinet-level agency is not something a president can do alone.
Here’s why:
- Congress Has the Final Say: The Department of Education was created by an act of Congress. To dismantle it, Congress would need to pass legislation something that requires both House and Senate approval.
- Legal and Constitutional Barriers: Education policy is deeply embedded in federal law, including civil rights protections, special education mandates (like IDEA), and college funding programs. Removing or transferring these responsibilities would require complex legal restructuring.
- Public Pushback: Millions of Americans rely on federal education aid. From low-income college students to families with special-needs children, eliminating the department could trigger significant backlash.
- Logistical Hurdles: Shifting responsibilities to other agencies or the states would require years of planning, not to mention a detailed new framework for everything from student loans to federal compliance.
What Could a President Do Instead?
While abolishing the department outright is a tall order, a determined administration could:
- Cut funding to reduce its influence.
- Limit new regulations, allowing more state control.
- Appoint leaders who scale back enforcement or programs.
- Advocate for “block grants”, giving states lump sums with fewer federal strings attached.
In essence, a president could weaken the department’s power without formally dismantling it.
The Bottom Line
The U.S. Department of Education is a powerful symbol in the debate over federal vs. local control of schools. While a president can shake up how it functions, completely eliminating it would require cooperation from Congress and a major shift in national consensus.
Whether you see it as an essential guardian of educational equity or an unnecessary bureaucracy, one thing is clear: the future of the Department of Education is a political fight far from settled.