President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education could have far-reaching effects on the U.S. education system. The department manages programs that benefit millions of students, including the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio. It also employs around 4,100 staff members who ensure equal access to education, enforce civil rights laws, and oversee federal funding for schools. As reported by Reuters on February 19, 2025, Trump’s stance reflects a long-standing Republican push to reduce the Department’s influence, with critics arguing that it has too much power in regulating and overseeing education in the US.
