As President Donald Trump continues to push for changes in federal agencies, one of his most significant targets has been the U.S. Department of Education. The President has repeatedly vowed to close the agency and shift its responsibilities to states, an idea Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed on Fox News in early June. But how would such a move impact millions of students, teachers, and families? And could Trump even legally shut down the Education Department? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the situation.
What Does the U.S. Department of Education Do?
The Education Department plays a critical role in the U.S. education system. While it doesn’t control school curricula, it ensures that federally funded schools, including K-12 schools and colleges, do not discriminate against students. The department is also responsible for ensuring students with disabilities receive appropriate services and that low-income schools receive the resources they need. Additionally, it oversees federal financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants and student loans, helping millions of students afford college education.
Despite the high level of federal involvement, the Education Department does not dictate what students learn or force teachers to follow specific lessons. Its role is to regulate certain standards across educational institutions, such as ensuring equal access to education and financial aid.
Can Trump Close the Education Department?
The short answer is no—at least not unilaterally. While President Trump has made it clear that he wants to close the Education Department, the agency was created by Congress, and it would take new legislation for it to be officially shut down. According to the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds the power to pass laws and create agencies. Therefore, Trump cannot simply close the department on his own. Any attempt to close or reorganize the department would require cooperation from Congress, where passing such legislation is highly unlikely given the current political landscape.
Can Congress Close the Education Department?
While Congress has the authority to abolish the Education Department, passing such a law would be challenging. The GOP has slim margins in the Senate, and it would likely require support from at least seven Democrats to pass any such legislation. A more feasible scenario might be the reorganization of the department’s functions, transferring some of its responsibilities to other federal agencies. However, this too would need the support of both Democrats and Republicans, which makes it an unlikely outcome.
What Happens to My Financial Aid If the Education Department Closes?
Even if the Education Department were shut down or reorganized, its functions related to financial aid would have to continue. Federal student aid, such as Pell Grants, is protected by law. The Higher Education Act of 1965 requires the government to administer financial aid programs and ensure non-discriminatory practices in institutions that receive federal funding. If the Education Department were restructured, Congress would need to pass legislation to transfer these responsibilities to another agency, ensuring that programs like Pell Grants and student loans remain unaffected.
However, Trump’s proposed move of the Federal Student Aid office to the Small Business Administration has already caused staff layoffs and buyouts, which might have an impact on the timely processing of financial aid applications.
What Will Happen to My Student Loans?
Federal student loans will likely continue to be disbursed as long as Congress maintains the programs. While the upheaval surrounding the Education Department could result in delays or complications, existing laws mandate that student loans continue. However, as the administration makes changes, students may experience delays in loan disbursements or customer service.
How Will This Affect FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which students need to fill out for federal aid, could potentially be affected by the closure of the Education Department. While the department doesn’t control curricula, it oversees the FAFSA, which could face delays if the department is reorganized. Staff turnover or the relocation of the Federal Student Aid office could result in operational challenges, extending the process for students applying for financial aid.
Will My School Still Offer the Same Classes?
The closure of the Education Department would not impact school curricula or the classes offered at K-12 schools or colleges. The department does not decide what is taught in the classroom. However, the impact could be felt in other ways, such as delays in funding, especially in schools that rely heavily on federal grants.
Will My College Still Get Funding?
While the Education Department is a key source of funding for colleges, the Trump administration has already taken steps to reduce financial support for higher education. Research funding, in particular, has been slashed, and some campuses have been forced to issue hiring freezes or pause graduate admissions. However, if the Education Department were to close, colleges would still need to receive federal funding for various programs, though the administration’s push to move such functions to other agencies could create confusion and delays.
What About Special Education Support?
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public schools are legally required to provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities. Even if the Education Department were shut down, the services required by IDEA would still need to be provided. However, the reorganization of the department could create difficulties in enforcing disability rights and filing complaints. Education Secretary McMahon has proposed moving disability rights enforcement to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a move that has been criticized by former civil rights leaders for potentially delaying support for students with disabilities.
While the Trump administration’s push to downsize the Education Department raises important questions about the future of education in the U.S., many of its functions are protected by law. The department’s financial aid programs, disability services, and non-discrimination efforts would likely continue in some form, even if the department were reorganized. However, the uncertainty around funding, staff turnover, and the relocation of services could create challenges for students, parents, and educators alike.
