Dismantling the Education Department: A Closer Look

The U.S. Education Department is undergoing significant changes under the Trump administration. These adjustments are reshaping its structure and functionality, with implications for students across the country.

Dismantling the Education Department: A Closer Look

On December 2, 2025, a pivotal episode of the podcast “The Excerpt” by Emegypt discussed these developments. Host Dana Taylor and USA Today Congress reporter Zach Schermele examined the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Education Department and the potential consequences.

Operational Changes and Interagency Agreements

In late November 2025, President Donald Trump intensified his initiative to reduce the department’s influence. This included six interagency agreements aimed at redistributing essential responsibilities. Despite Congress not fully abolishing the department, it has allowed significant restructuring to begin.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has initiated the transfer of various programs to other federal agencies, including the Departments of Labor, State, and Health and Human Services. This realignment follows a Supreme Court decision supporting this interagency restructuring.

Impact on School Funding and Program Oversight

• The shift of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Department of Labor is particularly noteworthy.
• This office oversees Title I funding, amounting to $20 billion, crucial for low-income school districts.
• Late allocations of Title I funds have raised concerns among educational advocates about the reliability of future support.

Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding program oversight may adversely affect students, schools, and families reliant on these resources.

Concerns for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are especially vulnerable during this transitional period. The potential closure of the Office of Special Education Programs, which faced layoffs during the government shutdown, caused widespread alarm. Although layoffs were reversed, speculation continues about moving this office to the Health and Human Services Department.

Families and educators are watching these developments closely, emphasizing the importance of accessible education for students with special needs.

Federal Student Aid and Loan Applications

The Federal Student Aid Office, responsible for managing trillions in student loans, reportedly remains stable amid these changes. The administration has hinted at potential shifts to the Small Business Administration, but nothing has been finalized.

Seniors in high school seeking federal college aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), may experience additional uncertainty. Recent years have seen improvements in processing applications, despite prior upheaval.

Historical Context of the Education Department

The Education Department was established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter to address existing disparities in educational access. Its mission has been to facilitate equitable opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.

As the department faces these unprecedented challenges, the effectiveness of Secretary McMahon’s strategies will be scrutinized. The long-term impact on educational equity remains an open question that advocacy groups will continue to monitor closely.