President-elect Donald Trump has long been critical of the Department of Education, describing it as a hub for “radicals, zealots, and Marxists” during his campaign. With Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, tapped to lead the agency, Trump’s approach appears unconventional and bold. But his ultimate ambition — dismantling the department altogether — would be a herculean challenge requiring congressional approval.
The Department of Education plays a vital role in managing federal funds for schools and colleges, overseeing student loans, and enforcing civil rights. If Trump follows through with his plans, many of these responsibilities would need redistribution, potentially reshaping the landscape of American education. Here’s a closer look at the department’s key functions and Trump’s proposed strategies.
The Future of Student Loans and Financial Aid
The Department of Education is the custodian of $1.5 trillion in student loan debt for over 40 million Americans. It also administers Pell Grants and the FAFSA, essential tools for students from lower-income backgrounds to access higher education.
Under President Biden, the department has prioritized student loan forgiveness, canceling $175 billion in debt for 4.8 million borrowers. This initiative has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing it’s financially unsustainable. The Supreme Court struck down Biden’s broader cancellation plans, forcing his administration to find alternative pathways for relief.
Trump, however, has called Biden’s efforts a “total catastrophe.” While he has criticized the idea of mass debt cancellation as unfair, his own approach remains unclear. He has yet to unveil a concrete plan to tackle the $1.5 trillion student loan issue, leaving millions of borrowers uncertain about what to expect.
Civil Rights in Education: A New Direction?
The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights ensures compliance with laws protecting students from discrimination based on race, gender, or disability. This office plays a pivotal role in safeguarding educational access for LGBTQ+ students and addressing systemic disparities.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric suggests a significant shift. He has framed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as discriminatory and vowed to penalize colleges that embrace these policies. Additionally, Trump aims to roll back Title IX protections for transgender students, reversing Biden-era guidance that interprets the law to include protections based on gender identity.
This approach could reshape how schools handle issues like bathroom access, pronoun usage, and locker room policies. Critics argue this could marginalize already vulnerable students, while supporters view it as a return to “common sense” in educational policies.
Federal Funding for Schools: What’s Next?
Federal dollars play a crucial role in supporting K-12 education, particularly for low-income students and those with disabilities. Programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) fund essential services, reduce class sizes, and support non-teaching roles like counselors and social workers.
Trump has floated the idea of transferring these responsibilities to states. However, he has provided little detail on how federal funding would be managed or redistributed.
One influential proposal comes from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which aligns with some of Trump’s views. The plan suggests moving oversight of special education and low-income student programs to the Department of Health and Human Services. Over time, it proposes converting federal education funding into block grants, giving states more control over spending but potentially reducing accountability.
Trump’s Ideals vs. Practical Challenges
Dismantling the Department of Education isn’t a new idea in conservative circles. Yet, the sheer complexity of its operations — from financial aid to civil rights enforcement — makes it a monumental task. Redistributing its functions across other agencies could lead to bureaucratic headaches and gaps in services, particularly for marginalized students.
Federal funding, while only a fraction of public school budgets, is critical for universities and vulnerable student populations. Trump’s plans to cut funding for schools promoting certain ideologies or to tax college endowments could further strain the education sector.
Balancing Act or Radical Overhaul?
Trump’s presidency promises a seismic shift in how education policy is shaped. Whether he succeeds in dismantling the Department of Education or simply reconfigures its priorities, the implications will be felt across the country. For millions of students and educators, the coming years will likely be marked by significant changes, with questions of equity, access, and accountability at the forefront.
