Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has made it clear that any Republican attempt to eliminate the Department of Education will face strong resistance in the Senate. Schumer stated that such a measure would be "dead on arrival" if proposed. His remarks come in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at significantly reducing the size and scope of the Education Department.
On March 20, 2025, Trump signed an order to cut the department’s staff by half and transfer its functions to other agencies. The goal, according to Trump, is to lessen the federal government’s influence over education and return control to families and states. However, Schumer and other Democrats oppose this plan, arguing that it would undermine essential educational services.
Despite the planned staffing cuts, the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid will not be affected. A spokesperson confirmed that employees handling student loan services and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) would remain in their positions. This office processes over 17 million FAFSA forms each year with a team of about 1,400 staff members.
The executive order comes amid ongoing criticism of the Education Department. Supporters of closing the agency cite stagnant academic performance as a reason for their stance. The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress showed little improvement in math and reading scores for students.
While Trump’s administration claims that the current processing of FAFSA forms is ahead of last year’s pace, the move to dismantle the Education Department has sparked legal challenges. Unions and school districts argue that only Congress has the authority to eliminate a federal agency. Schumer has called for the courts to intervene, labeling Trump’s efforts as a "tyrannical power grab."
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has stated that the department will work with Congress to ensure a lawful transition if the closure moves forward. She emphasized the importance of maintaining services for students, particularly those relying on Pell Grants and special education programs.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond and whether Trump’s plans will come to fruition amid the pushback from Democrats and legal challenges.