Story perspectives

Trump Moves to Shut Down Education Department, Faces Congress

10/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to initiate the shutdown of the Department of Education, though full closure requires Congressional approval.
The department is implementing significant changes aimed at realizing a conservative vision for primary and secondary education.
PBS News Hour's John Yang discusses these developments with Jennifer Smith Richards, a ProPublica investigative reporter.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Department of Education was established in 1980, following President Jimmy Carter's efforts to centralize education functions. Since then, Republican opposition has persisted, notably under President Ronald Reagan, who proposed significant budget cuts. In 2025, President Donald Trump aimed to dismantle the department, reflecting a long-standing conservative push for local control over education, raising concerns about equitable access to educational resources.

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Story summary

In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to initiate the shutdown of the Department of Education, though full closure requires Congressional approval.
The department is implementing significant changes aimed at realizing a conservative vision for primary and secondary education.
PBS News Hour's John Yang discusses these developments with Jennifer Smith Richards, a ProPublica investigative reporter.

1 / 2