Closing the agency could cause confusion and headaches for states and schools in the short term, even if their federal funding streams remain intact.

Such reports reinforce a policy priority from Project 2025, proposed by the Heritage Foundation, which boldly suggested that the federal Department of Education should be eliminat

KILL ORDER — Millions in federal grants have been cut. Scores of probationary agency employees are being fired, while others are being put on leave. House Democrats are banging on the agency’s doors to get in without an appointment.

Though some of the department’s programs are almost certain to continue—such as federal student aid and specialized K-12 funding—DOGE could feasibly cut billions more in spending and set the stage for Congress to abolish the department altogether. These targeted missions will, in theory, create permission for larger actions in the future.

President Donald Trump is attempting to dismantle the Department of Education. His efforts are history repeating itself.

U.S. President Donald Trump's stated goal of closing the Department of Education comes after a long Republican-led push to chip away at the agency's funding and influence. Like other U.S. agencies, the Department of Education's budget is determined by Congress,

Borrowers should prepare for a rocky road ahead if the agency closes. But experts say it won't happen overnight.