The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is a federal agency responsible for establishing policies related to federal financial aid for education, collecting data on America’s schools, focusing national attention on key educational issues, and ensuring equal access to education. Established in 1980, it operates under the leadership of the Secretary of Education.
On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to dismantle the Department of Education. The order seeks to reduce federal involvement in education by returning control to state and local governments while retaining certain core functions, such as Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell Grants, and support for students with disabilities.
However, fully closing the department would require congressional approval, which is uncertain given the current political landscape.
The Department of Education’s key functions include:
- Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education
- Collecting data on schools and disseminating research
- Focusing national attention on key educational issues and recommending reforms
- Ensuring equal access to education and prohibiting discrimination
As of 2025, the department employs approximately 4,200 individuals and manages a budget of about $268 billion. Its responsibilities encompass administering federal student loans, enforcing civil rights laws in education, and supporting various educational initiatives across the country.
The debate over the Department of Education’s role highlights ongoing discussions about federal versus state control in education, the effectiveness of federal funding, and the best approaches to educational equity and quality.