A new school year starts under Education Department downsizing

Trump campaigned on closing the Education Department. Reality is more difficult

U.S. President Donald Trump stands with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon after signing an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. The order instructs McMahon to shrink the department, which cannot be dissolved without congressional approval. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s …

Trump campaigned on closing the Education Department, but GOP lawmakers are balking at elimination

U.S. President Donald Trump stands with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon after signing an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. The order instructs McMahon to shrink the department, which cannot be dissolved without congressional approval. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s …

Trump campaigned on closing the Education Department. Reality is more difficult.

U.S. President Donald Trump stands with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon after signing an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. The order instructs McMahon to shrink the department, which cannot be dissolved without congressional approval. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s …

A new school year starts under Education Department downsizing

Students are heading back to the classroom after a busy summer for the U.S. Department of Education. Here's where the Trump administration's downsizing effort stands and what it could mean for local schools.