March 21, 2025 – President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at closing the U.S. Department of Education and returning authority over education to states, parents, and local communities. The move, outlined in a statement from the White House, seeks to dismantle the federal education bureaucracy and shift control back to local authorities.
A Push for Localized Education
According to the executive order, the federal government’s involvement in education has “plainly failed our children, our teachers, and our families.” The administration cites declining student performance in reading and math, as well as inefficiencies in federal education funding, as key reasons for dismantling the department.
The Department of Education, established in 1979, currently manages a student loan debt portfolio exceeding $1.6 trillion—an amount comparable to some of the nation’s largest financial institutions. The Trump administration argues that such banking functions should not be managed by a federal agency ill-equipped for the task.
Returning Power to the States
The executive order directs the Secretary of Education to take “all necessary steps” to facilitate the closure of the department while ensuring continued access to critical education services. Funding allocations will also be subject to strict compliance with federal law, including a ban on programs that promote “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives.
“Closing the Department of Education would provide children and their families the opportunity to escape a system that is failing them,” the order states, emphasizing the administration’s push to empower parents and local communities in decision-making.
Implications and Reactions
The order is expected to spark intense debate among lawmakers, educators, and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that eliminating federal oversight will reduce bureaucracy and improve educational outcomes, while critics warn that it could lead to disparities in funding and resources among states.
As implementation moves forward, the future of federal education programs, student loan management, and national academic standards remains uncertain. The move marks one of the most significant shifts in U.S. education policy in decades and underscores the Trump administration’s broader push for decent
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