Closing the Department of Education

Executive Order on Closing the Department of Education

Date Signed: March 20, 2025

Signed by: President Donald J. Trump

Executive Summary

This executive order directs the closure of the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to transfer its functions to state and local governments. The order argues that federal control over education has been ineffective and outlines steps to ensure continuity in educational services during the transition.

Key Provisions

• Closing the Department of Education and Returning Authority to the States (Section 2)
• The Secretary of Education is instructed to take all necessary steps to close the Department of Education and return educational authority to states and local communities. This process must ensure services, programs, and benefits continue without disruption (Sec. 2(a)).
• The Secretary must ensure that federal education funds comply with federal law and administration policies. This includes terminating programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion or gender ideology if they are seen as discriminatory (Sec. 2(b)).

Editor's Note: Visit our article on an Overview of the Department of Eduction for those curious about the structure and tasks of the Department. 

Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/improving-education-outcomes-by-empowering-parents-states-and-communities/