WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order today aiming to dismantle or significantly restructure the U.S. Department of Education.
The department, established by Congress nearly 50 years ago, plays a critical role in enforcing civil rights protections, distributing federal education funding and administering financial aid programs that make higher education accessible for millions of students. Any attempt to alter or dismantle it requires congressional approval.
Mitria Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), issued the following statement:
This decision, following the confirmation of Linda McMahon as secretary of education, threatens to destabilize the nation’s education system and jeopardize opportunities for millions of students. Dismantling or weakening the department undermines this nation’s commitment to ensuring all students have access to quality education and essential resources, without regard to their socioeconomic status or background.
Because Congress created the Department of Education and assigned it statutory duties, only an act of Congress can lawfully terminate those obligations. Unlawfully dismantling the department by executive order will not only create needless confusion and litigation, but it will also cause significant disparities in education funding and the fragmentation of federal financial aid programs while the courts consider the legality of the Administration’s actions. Without federal oversight, state policies will likely diverge, exacerbating inequities in access to quality education. Meanwhile, students will likely face difficulties accessing critical programs like Pell Grants and other federal student aid.
Supporters of this move claim it would return education policy decisions to states and local communities. In reality, it would lead to an inconsistent education system where wealthier communities benefit while poorer communities face declining resources and opportunities. Federal student loan programs, such as income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, would also be adversely affected.
Under the previous administration, the department expanded access to higher education, held predatory for-profit colleges accountable and provided essential loan relief to low-income borrowers and those defrauded by fraudulent institutions. Policymakers should focus on making college more affordable and accessible for all Americans—not making it harder for students to succeed.
Today’s decision does not serve the interests of students or families. It weakens public education, abandons civil rights enforcement and prioritizes corporate interests over the fundamental right to a quality education. We urge the courts and Congress to reject this reckless effort and fulfill their responsibility to protect the future of American education.
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Press Contact: Vincenza Previte vincenza.previte@responsiblelending.org