Donald Trump · Republican · Executive Order
Dismantling the Department of Education (EO 14242)
Mar 20, 2025
Donald TrumpCulture & SocialExecutive OrderEO 14242Second term (2025–)
📜 View the official record — Executive Order 14242 on federalregister.gov
What happened
Ordered the Education Secretary to begin closing the Department of Education and returning authority to states, while moving congressionally mandated programs (Title I, student aid, special education) to other agencies.
How it happened
Executive order signed March 20, 2025; through late 2025 the administration offloaded functions to other departments. Full abolition requires Congress.
Documented impact
Positive impactcontested
Supporters say it returns education control to states and cuts bureaucracy.
Backers argue federal involvement is inefficient and that local control improves outcomes.
Negative impactsubstantiated
Functions were moved without Congress, which created the department in 1979.
The department cannot be legally abolished without Congress; transferring Title I, special-education and student-loan work to other agencies raised oversight and continuity concerns.
Public opinion
📊 Public opinion
Abolishing the Department of Education
Support30%
Oppose58%
Results vary widely by wording — some polls show a slim majority for 'returning education to the states.' PDK (2025) found 66% opposed to elimination.
Sources
Every claim above links to its source. Primary record and cited reporting: