Trump Will ‘Greatly Minimize’ Education Department With Executive Order—But Student Loans, Pell Grants Will Be Under Federal Control

Forbes - Mar 20th, 2025
Open on Forbes

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that significantly reduces the size of the Department of Education while maintaining control over crucial functions like Title I funding and student loans. This move is part of Trump's longstanding pledge to decrease federal involvement in education, which he and other Republicans view as bureaucratically bloated. The order is expected to shift more control to individual states, although federal oversight will continue in certain areas, including civil rights enforcement. The signing is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT on Thursday, marking the beginning of a broader effort to dismantle the department, pending congressional approval.

The implications of this order are significant, as it marks a decisive step in Trump's agenda to reduce federal influence in education, a department established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter. The department currently accounts for about 10% of public school funding in the U.S. The restructuring has already led to layoffs within the department, sparking a lawsuit from Democratic state attorneys general. This move could reshape the landscape of American education, with states gaining more autonomy but also shouldering more responsibility for education funding and policies. The outcome of congressional responses and legal challenges will be critical in determining the future of federal education oversight.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of President Trump's expected executive order to reduce the size of the Department of Education. It effectively highlights the administration's intentions and the potential shift towards state control over education. However, the story could benefit from greater balance by incorporating a wider range of perspectives and more detailed analysis of the potential impacts of the proposed changes. While the article is generally clear and accessible, its engagement and impact could be enhanced through more interactive elements and in-depth exploration of the controversy surrounding the issue. Overall, the article serves as a useful introduction to a significant policy development but would benefit from more comprehensive reporting to fully inform and engage readers.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The news story provides a factual account of President Trump's expected actions regarding the Department of Education, but there are areas that require further verification. The claim that Trump will sign an executive order to reduce the size of the Department is consistent with his administration's previous statements. However, the story should verify the specifics of which functions will remain under federal control and whether the order has indeed been signed as scheduled. The mention of congressional approval being necessary for dismantling the department aligns with legal requirements, as the department was established by statute in 1979. The assertion that federal dollars account for about 10% of public school funding is accurate, but the story could benefit from citing specific sources or data to support this figure.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the Trump administration, focusing on its proposed changes to the Department of Education. While it mentions the lawsuit from Democratic state attorneys general, it lacks a more comprehensive exploration of opposing viewpoints or the potential consequences of the executive order. Including reactions from educators, policy experts, or affected stakeholders could provide a more balanced view of the situation. The emphasis on Trump's long-standing promise to dismantle the department suggests a bias towards his administration's agenda without adequately addressing the broader implications or criticisms.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, making it accessible to a broad audience. It effectively outlines the main points of the executive order and the anticipated changes to the Department of Education. However, the story could benefit from a more logical flow, as it jumps between different aspects of the issue without clear transitions. The inclusion of more detailed explanations or examples could enhance comprehension, particularly for readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of federal education policy.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, which provides direct insight into the administration's intentions. However, it lacks a diversity of sources, such as independent experts or opposition voices, which could offer a more nuanced understanding of the issue. The absence of citations for specific data points, such as the percentage of federal funding for public schools, weakens the article's credibility. Including a broader range of authoritative sources would enhance the reliability of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article outlines the key aspects of the executive order and its intended effects on the Department of Education. However, it does not provide sufficient context regarding the legal and procedural steps required to implement such changes fully. The story could improve transparency by explaining the methodology behind the claims, such as how the department's workforce reduction will be executed or the potential impact on educational services. Additionally, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest or biases in the reporting would contribute to a clearer understanding of the article's perspective.

Sources

  1. https://19thnews.org/2025/03/trump-executive-order-department-of-education/
  2. https://gopillinois.com/tag/cannabis/
  3. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-trump-expected-to-sign-order-on-plan-for-shutting-down-education-department
  4. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-expected-sign-order-gutting-department-education-sources/story?id=119967268
  5. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-executive-order-education-department/