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Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive action as early as Thursday directing newly confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate steps toward dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, according to a draft obtained by NPR.
The move follows weeks of speculation after the White House signaled its intent in early February but delayed formal action until McMahon’s Senate confirmation. On Monday, the Senate confirmed McMahon despite uniform Democratic opposition, largely due to her commitment to dismantling the department.
The draft executive action instructs McMahon to pursue closure “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law,” acknowledging that congressional approval is required to fully disband the department. Any such legislative move would likely face strong Democratic resistance and require 60 Senate votes to overcome a filibuster.
Early Moves to Reduce the Department
Even before the official directive, the Trump administration had already begun slashing the department’s operations. Last month, significant cuts were made to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), which provides critical research on education practices and student achievement. Several grants were also revoked, including programs aimed at accelerating math learning and improving post-high school transitions for students with disabilities.
Additionally, the administration has laid off dozens of newer employees and placed others on paid leave due to their involvement with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives.
During her confirmation hearing, McMahon affirmed her commitment to the department’s closure, assuring senators she would work with Congress to transition its key responsibilities.
Impact on Education Funding
Lawmakers raised concerns about the future of crucial federal education programs, including Title I funding for low-income students and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). McMahon insisted that these funds remain intact but suggested they could be administered by a different agency for efficiency.
“It is not the president’s goal to defund the programs only to have them operate more efficiently,” McMahon stated.
While the executive action marks the administration’s most aggressive step, significant legal and political hurdles remain before the department can be fully dismantled.
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