Democrats Prepare to Address Future of U.S. Department of Education

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump stated his intention to close the U.S. Department of Education. After taking office, he appointed Linda McMahon as the 13th education secretary, tasking her with the goal of eliminating the agency.

While the administration has eliminated some positions and transferred various responsibilities to other federal agencies, the department remains operational. Officials noted that the administration has not yet successfully fulfilled the promise to fully dismantle the agency.

Closing the department requires congressional action, which the administration has not secured despite previous Republican control of both chambers. With Democrats set to control the Senate and House of Representatives in January, the legislative path for the department's future will shift.

Supporters of the department argue that it is essential for managing student loans, civil rights investigations, and funding for rural schools and students with disabilities. They also emphasize the importance of the department's role in funding and conducting scientific research on educational institutions.