Donald Trump is no stranger to making bold and unexpected moves, but this one might be among the most surprising. Reports suggest he is preparing an executive order to start dismantling the Education Department. But is this really happening? And what does it mean for students—especially those with loans?
What Does the Education Department Actually Do?
The U.S. Department of Education plays a key role in making sure students across the country have access to quality education. It manages federal funding for schools, enforces laws that prevent discrimination (like Title IX), and oversees student loan programs, including Pell Grants. It also helps shape national education policies and conducts research to improve learning systems.
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In short, the department ensures educational equity and provides financial aid, making college more accessible to millions of students.
Trump has been pushing to eliminate the Education Department for a long time. During his first term, he criticized it as an example of federal overreach and proposed cutting it, but Congress didn’t follow through. Now, he’s taking another shot at it, instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to start the process of dismantling the department.
His argument? He believes education should be controlled by states, not the federal government. His critics, however, say this move could hurt students who rely on federal programs for support.
Can Donald Trump Actually Shut It Down?
Pres. Trump is preparing to sign an executive order directing Sec. of Education Linda McMahon to dismantle the Department of Education. @rachelvscott has the latest. pic.twitter.com/pbHHQHRCjH
— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 6, 2025
Not entirely—at least, not on his own. While an executive order can start the process, completely abolishing the Education Department would require congressional approval. And that’s not guaranteed. Many lawmakers, even some in Trump’s party, might push back against such a drastic change, especially given how many students depend on federal education programs.
What Happens to Student Loans?
This is where things get even more uncertain. If the Education Department is dismantled, its responsibilities—including managing student loans—would be transferred to other agencies or even individual states. But there’s no clear plan on how that would work. Would loan forgiveness programs be affected? Would states take over federal student loan management?
For students, this uncertainty is causing concern. Some are hopeful that Trump’s push to shrink the federal government could lead to loan relief, while others worry about losing protections and support systems that the department currently provides.
For now, Trump’s executive order is just the beginning of a long political battle. Even if the department is eventually dismantled, the process will take time—and students with loans will be left wondering what’s next. But if Trump follows through, the impact on education in the U.S. will be massive.
