The Education Department Is Under Fire: What Does It Do?

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is a federal agency that oversees federal education policy. At the higher education level, it is charged with managing federal financial aid and student loans.

The ED was established in 1979 and is currently headed by Acting Secretary Denise Carter. President Donald Trump’s pick for the role of Secretary of Education is Linda McMahon, who previously served as head of the Small Business Administration and was a former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). McMahon must still be confirmed by Congress.

There are reports that Trump may soon try to fulfill his campaign promise to get rid of the ED via executive order. Abolishing the ED would likely face legal opposition since the executive branch cannot eliminate a department on its own; it requires an act of Congress.

That said, there’s plenty the executive branch can do to dismantle the power and efficacy of any department. Trump has already purged several departments of federal employees, including dozens within the ED.

Getting rid of the ED altogether would likely shift financial and practical responsibilities of the department onto other federal agencies and, likely, the states.

Multiple reports have also said that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a department in name only that’s led by billionaire Elon Musk — have gained access to internal ED systems, including personal financial aid information. On X, the social platform owned by Musk, he wrote that Trump “will succeed” in dismantling the ED.

The department’s official mission is “to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.”

The ED plays a vital role, in particular by providing federal funding and grants, but the department doesn’t exert local control over curriculum. In the U.S., delivering education falls on states and local governments. That includes establishing and maintaining schools, developing curriculum and setting graduation standards. Most funding for elementary and secondary education is from non-federal sources.

Some of the U.S. Department of Education’s responsibilities include:

• Setting broad education policy that guides state education departments and local school districts.

• Leading the national conversation on improving education and student outcomes.

• Administering federal funding and grant programs for schools.

• Overseeing college accreditation.

• Providing states, districts, individual schools and teachers with educational resources. This includes financial support through Title I funding for low-income communities and TEACH Grants for help those pursuing careers in high-need education fields. 

• Improving access to preschool education through initiatives like Head Start and Early Learning grants. 

• Ensuring equal access to education and enforces anti-discrimination education laws including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, which protects people from sex discrimination.

Here’s how to reach the U.S. Department of Education and learn more about federal student aid access and loan repayment:

Education Department website: ed.gov

General information: 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327)

U.S. Department of Education

• All ED state offices can be found here. 

• Learn more about the ED, as well as grants and student loans on its FAQ page

• Results of the National Assessment of Education Progress, a congressionally mandated assessment of student performance known as the “nation’s report card.” It is administered by the NCES.  

Federal Student Aid information

The Federal Student Aid office operates under the Education Department and is charged with managing all federal financial aid programs. Here’s how to reach the FSA office: