March 20, 2025: US president Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order to shut down the Department of Education, a move that has been anticipated for a while now. This decision is part of Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the department, which he has called a “big con job.”

However, shutting down the department won’t be easy, Trump needs congressional legislation to do so, which could be challenging. His Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, but major legislation requires 60 votes, meaning he needs the support of seven democrats to pass.

The Department of Education plays a crucial role in maintaining public education standards. It oversees around 100,000 public and 34,000 private schools, providing federal grants for needy schools and programs. These grants cover essential services like paying teachers for children with special needs, funding arts programs and replacing outdated infrastructure.

Prior to the department's creation, education was part of the US department of Health, Education and Welfare, which operated from 1953 to 1979.

The Impact:

: Disruption in Aid: An immediate closure could disrupt tens of billions of dollars in aid to K-12 schools and tuitions assistance for college students.

: Job Losses: The department announced plans to lay off over 1,300 employees

: Legal Challenges: Attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit to block Trump from dismantling the department, arguing that the massive job cuts would render the agency unable to perform its core functions.

Despite the challenges, Trump has repeatedly called for eliminating the department.