What’s Up with Trump Shutting Down the Education Department?
- Yastika Chouhan
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Big news in the world of education: Former President Donald Trump, now back in office, just signed an executive order to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. Yeah, that’s a huge deal. If you’re wondering what that even means and how it could affect students, here’s a breakdown.
What Just Happened?
On March 19, 2025, Trump signed an order to start shutting down the Department of Education. His reasoning? He wants states to have full control over their schools without federal interference. Basically, instead of one national department setting education policies, each state would handle things their own way.
This is something Trump and other conservatives have talked about for years. They argue that the federal government shouldn’t be involved in education at all, and that local communities should decide what’s best for their schools.
Why Does This Matter?
The Department of Education does a lot more than people think. It helps fund public schools, supports students with disabilities, and enforces policies to make sure states meet certain education standards. Without it, every state would have the freedom to set its own rules—which could be good or bad, depending on where you live. Supporters of the move say this could allow schools to be more flexible and better suited to their local communities. But critics warn that it could lead to huge gaps in school funding, fewer protections for students, and an increase in inequality between wealthier and poorer areas.
What Happens Next?
Shutting down a federal agency isn’t like flipping a switch. Trump’s executive order sets the process in motion, but Congress still has to approve it. And since there’s already a lot of pushback from lawmakers and advocacy groups, this could turn into a long legal battle. Some states might fight to keep federal education funding, while others may fully embrace the change.
How Could This Affect Students?
For most students, things wouldn’t change overnight, but over time, school funding, testing, and curriculum could start looking very different depending on where you live. Some states might cut standardized testing, while others could make major changes to graduation requirements. The way college financial aid works—like Pell Grants and federal student loans—could also be affected if federal education programs are reduced or eliminated.
The Bottom Line
This is a big moment for education in the U.S., and no matter which side you’re on, it’s worth paying attention to. If you’re in high school, this could shape what your last few years of school look like—and if you’re heading to college soon, financial aid and admissions policies could be impacted.
Right now, the future of the Department of Education is uncertain, but one thing is clear: this decision is going to spark a major debate. Keep an eye on how things unfold, because this could change the way schools operate for years to come.
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