Fact Check: "Trump's administration planned to completely shut down the Department of Education."
What We Know
The claim that the Trump administration planned to completely shut down the Department of Education is rooted in a series of actions and statements made during his presidency. In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order indicating his administration's intent to "take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education" (source-1). Following this, the administration announced plans to lay off over 1,300 employees, which would effectively reduce the department's workforce by nearly half (source-2). The Supreme Court allowed these layoffs to proceed, despite objections from lower courts that deemed the actions potentially illegal and unconstitutional (source-4).
The Department of Education, established by Congress, is responsible for managing federal student loans, tracking student achievement, and enforcing civil rights laws in schools. Critics of the administration's actions argued that the layoffs and proposed restructuring would "cripple" the department's ability to fulfill its statutory duties (source-6).
Analysis
While the Trump administration did not formally eliminate the Department of Education, the intent and actions taken during his presidency suggest a significant effort to dismantle its functions. The executive order and subsequent layoffs indicate a clear strategy to reduce the department's influence and operational capacity. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the goal was to "shut down the Department" and return education responsibilities to the states (source-5).
However, it is crucial to note that only Congress has the authority to abolish a cabinet-level agency, as highlighted by Justice Sonia Sotomayor in her dissent regarding the Supreme Court's ruling (source-3). The administration's actions were challenged in court, with opponents arguing that the layoffs and restructuring were unconstitutional and undermined the department's ability to carry out its mandated functions (source-7).
The sources used for this analysis are credible, including major news outlets and legal analyses, which provide a comprehensive view of the events and legal implications surrounding the administration's actions.
Conclusion
The claim that the Trump administration planned to completely shut down the Department of Education is Partially True. While there was no formal legislative action to abolish the department, the administration's executive order and subsequent layoffs indicate a clear intent to significantly reduce its size and influence. This effort faced legal challenges and was met with strong opposition, emphasizing the complexity of the situation and the limits of executive power in dismantling a federal agency established by Congress.
Sources
- How Trump plans to dismantle the Education Department
- US Supreme Court clears way for Trump to gut Education
- Supreme Court Clears the Way for Trump's Cuts to Education
- Supreme Court allows Trump to implement Education Department layoffs
- Supreme Court allows Trump administration's mass firings at Education Department
- Supreme Court allows Trump to proceed with mass firings
- How Trump Plans to Dismantle the Education Department After Supreme Court Ruling
