Overview

• President Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the closure of the Department of Education and transferring its functions to other federal agencies.
• Lawsuits filed by unions, advocacy groups, and public school districts argue that the closure is unconstitutional without Congressional approval.
• Student loans are set to be managed by the Small Business Administration, raising concerns about borrower confusion and operational disruptions due to workforce reductions.
• Programs for students with disabilities are planned to shift to the Department of Health and Human Services, with critics questioning the capacity for effective implementation.
• The administration defends the move as a step toward decentralization and efficiency, while opponents warn of risks to low-income and special-needs students.