Yet, this agency is the smallest in the President’s cabinet. The federal department was created in 1979. Since then, it has rooted equitable access to higher education, managing major educational programs like student loan financing and financial aid for low-income students. Despite its longstanding role, the department's future now hangs in the balance as it faces legal challenges following President Trump's recent order to close it.
The Department of Education is currently less than 2% of the entire federal budget. The department’s enacted funding last year was $238 billion. While its budget is determined by the Department of Education, it funds key formula and competitive programs that help low-income students succeed. The approaching closure, though, would need a specific act of Congress in order to be truly counted.
President Trump has been vocal about his intentions, stating:
"We're going to shut it down as quickly as possible." – Donald Trump
The department’s workforce—about 4,400 employees—is about to be slashed in half. Beginning tomorrow, the administration should put staff on administrative leave. Our primary goal in making this move was to make shutdown easier and more expeditious. This unprecedented step has raised alarm bells across the country over the upheaval of deeply rooted, necessary educational continuity.
Betsy DeVos, likely involved in drafting the content of the order, emphasized the importance of maintaining service delivery:
"the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely."
The American Federation of Teachers issued a statement cautioning against using efficiency as a pretext for undermining support for children in need:
"No-one likes bureaucracy, and everyone's in favour of more efficiency, so let's find ways to accomplish that. But don't use a 'war on woke' to attack the children living in poverty and the children with disabilities." – American Federation of Teachers
Meanwhile, Linda McMahon expressed a more optimistic view of the potential impact of dismantling the department:
"This is our opportunity to perform one final, unforgettable public service to future generations of students." – Linda McMahon
Despite all these claims, the Department of Education’s shutdown is already facing major legal challenges. Opponents contend that this significant restructuring requires legislative approval. They fear it would undermine services that are critical to the wellbeing of millions of students across the country.
It is time for the Department of Education to step beyond its administrative role. It still plays an important role in enforcing programs that are meant to improve educational opportunities for needy children. With the potential dissolution, it brings up the question of who will lead these initiatives in the future.
