The Department of Education is a government agency that oversees federal education policy and administers funding for programs and individuals.
On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order, directing the federal Department of Education to “facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States….”
Executive orders are a tool by which a president can enact their policy goals. Even before this Executive Order was issued, President Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon had taken steps to dismantle the department, firing nearly 50% of its workforce.
Download The Arc’s new fact sheet below to learn more about the threats facing the Department of Education and what it means for students with disabilities.
