What is the legal process required to close the Department of Education?

Closing the Department of Education would require an act of Congress, as it is a statutory department. This means that any proposal to abolish it would need to pass both the House and Senate, likely requiring 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a potential filibuster.

How would the closure of the Department of Education affect federal student loans and financial aid?

The closure of the Department of Education could disrupt federal student loan management and financial aid distribution. While congressionally appropriated financial aid like Pell Grants might continue, the management of these programs could be transferred to another department, potentially causing disruptions for students.

What are the staffing cuts within the Department of Education, and how do they impact borrower assistance?

The Department of Education has begun significant staffing cuts, affecting personnel who handle student loan complaints. This has exacerbated issues for borrowers, many of whom are already behind on payments. The cuts are part of a broader effort to dismantle the department.

What is the rationale behind President Trump's push to close the Department of Education?

President Trump's push to close the Department of Education is based on his belief that education should be controlled at the state level rather than federally. He argues that the federal government's involvement in education has failed and that returning authority to the states would improve outcomes.

10 sources·Politics

Trump Administration Pushes for Department of Education Closure Amid Staffing Cuts

President Trump looks to close the Education Department as staffing cuts hinder borrower assistance, complicating federal student loan management.

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Federal student loan borrowers need assistance now more than ever, the Education Department staffers said.
As Trump goes after Education Department, staff cuts leave student loan borrowers in the dark
CNBC·12d
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Center
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Getting rid of the Department of Education would ultimately empower the "the extremist anti-public education agenda" that is already being implemented in parts of the country, according to NEA.
In Response to Reported Executive Order, School Defenders Vow Uprising as Trump Targets Public Education
Common Dreams·12d
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Borrowers are already feeling the effect.
As Trump goes after Education Department, staff cuts leave student loan borrowers in the dark
NBC News·12d
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Center
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Eliminating the department altogether would be a cumbersome task, which likely would require an act of Congress.
Trump wants to dismantle the Education Department. Here's what it does
Associated Press·12d
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Center
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Dismantling the Department of Education has long been a goal for Republicans, dating back to the Reagan administration.
Education Department executive order could be issued as soon as today
CBS News·12d
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Center
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Education has been a cabinet level department in the federal government since the 1860s, with the department taking its present form in 1980 after a reorganisation by the late president Jimmy Carter.
House censures Democratic congressman Al Green for disrupting Trump’s speech – live
The Guardian·12d
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The executive order, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, has been in the works since before Trump was sworn into office in January.
Trump to order McMahon to begin dissolving Education Department
The Hill·12d
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The long-promised closure of the department could have major implications on what kids learn, how schools are funded and the future of student loans for millions.
Trump executive order calling for Education Department’s end will not be signed Thursday
NewsNation·12d
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Even if Trump succeeded in ending the department, it’s possible some programs and funding could be retained and shifted to other agencies, which is where they were housed before the department was created in 1979.
Trump preparing to sign order to dismantle Education Department | Politics
CNN·12d
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Mar 6th, 2025, 12:02 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

President Trump has postponed signing an executive order to abolish the Education Department but has directed new Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate its closure. The administration has begun significant staffing cuts, affecting personnel handling student loan complaints and exacerbating issues for borrowers, with many already behind on payments. Trump's plan includes consolidating education authority at the state level, although dismantling the department entirely would require Congress. Critics warn that the cuts and impending changes could worsen conditions for those seeking assistance with federal student loans.

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President Trump has tasked new Education Secretary Linda McMahon with eliminating the Department of Education, viewing it as a means to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and decentralize education funding.
Although Trump’s administration is pushing to close the department, doing so would require congressional approval, indicating significant legislative challenges ahead.
Recent layoffs at the Department of Education have hindered its ability to assist federal student loan borrowers, raising concerns over the effects on millions of borrowers as the administration cuts resources.

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