As part of a broader agenda to improve government efficiency and return control of educational policies to the states, President-Elect Donald Trump has revived his plan to dismantle the Department of Education. Trump believes that states should have more freedom to tailor education systems to their residents’ needs without federal oversight and has proposed redirecting programs back to state or other federal agencies. Eliminating the department would require Congress’ approval.
The U.S. Department of Education primarily oversees federal education policy, funding, and support for K-12 and higher education. The department administers billions of dollars in federal aid for K-12 education, including Title 1 funding for low-income schools and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funds for special education. In addition to programs for K-12 education, the department manages $1.7 trillion in student loans and $30 billion in financial aid through Pell Grants, supporting millions of low-income students.
