Now that Donald Trump is president once more, the Republican intends to implement some adjustments within the federal workforce — together with within the United States Department of Education. After profitable the 2024 election, the 78-year-old vowed he would “move education back to the states” and that he wished to “drain the government education swamp.” According to new experiences, Trump plans to make important employment cuts from the division, however does this imply an entire abolishment?
Learn what Trump mentioned about his plans for the Department of Education and whether or not or not a dismantling of the division is feasible.
“During Career and Technical Education Month, we reaffirm our belief in excellence by putting America first and investing in the best training and retraining opportunities that will result in a stronger workforce and a booming economy.” — @POTUS
America is again! 🇺🇸
— U.S. Department of Education (@usedgov) February 3, 2025
What Does the Department of Education Do?
The cabinet-level division focuses on selling “student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages,” in line with its official web site.
How Many Employees Work for the Department of Education?
Per a number of retailers, the Department of Education employs round 4,400 staff. It’s unclear how a lot that quantity may change underneath Trump’s administration because it implements staffing adjustments. Earlier this yr, the White House introduced a change to the federal variety, fairness and inclusion (DEI) workforce.
Can Trump Dismantle the Department of Education?
Technically, a president can’t totally dismantle the Department of Education as a result of it was created by an act of Congress. Therefore, Congress would wish to maneuver ahead with eliminating the division.
What Happens if the Department of Education Is Abolished?
As beforehand talked about, a president can’t merely abolish the Department of Education; Congress must step in to maneuver this ahead. According to U.S. News, specialists declare that dissolving the division wouldn’t have heavy impacts on sure packages or funding, equivalent to pell grants and federal scholar loans.
Though Trump beforehand said his intention to maneuver the accountability of training to the states, the Department of Education’s web site signifies that training is, actually, a state and native accountability throughout the U.S. The division additionally states that 92 % of funds for elementary and secondary training originates from the states, whereas simply 8 % is from the federal stage.