Consider This: Six Months In, How Trump Has Changed the Education Department

Released on July 24, 2025

In this compelling episode of NPR's Consider This, hosts delve into the transformative changes President Trump has enacted within the U.S. Department of Education over the past six months of his second term. Education correspondent Corey Turner provides an in-depth analysis of the administration's strategies, their implications for K-12 and higher education, and the broader impact on American classrooms and students.

1. Dismantling the Department of Education

President Trump has aggressively pursued his campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education. Beginning in March, his administration initiated significant staff reductions, aiming to curtail what he deemed an ineffective federal entity.

• Staff Reductions: The department's workforce has been halved through buyouts, early retirements, and the layoff of nearly 1,400 federal employees. Notably, David Downey, a dedicated employee of 30 years, was placed on administrative leave. Downey expressed his concerns, stating, “Our oath to the Constitution, it isn’t going to end when Trump stops the paychecks” (00:52).

• Impact on Operations: With the department operating at half its former capacity, remaining employees are now overburdened, managing multiple roles to maintain essential functions. Corey Turner highlights the critical work being compromised, particularly in safeguarding the rights of students with disabilities.

2. Withholding K-12 Federal Funding

One of the administration's most controversial moves has been the withholding of nearly $5 billion in federal funds designated for K-12 education, originally slated for disbursement by July 1.

• Administration’s Rationale: Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vogt justified the delay, citing “programs that are riddled with critical race theory” and criticizing “school improvement programs that are indoctrinating teachers to be cultural revolutionaries in the classroom” (05:01).

• Superintendent's Response: Sasha Podelski, Director of Advocacy for the School Superintendents Association (AASA), condemned the action as a “bait and switch.” She emphasized that the withheld funds were crucial for teacher salaries, training, and essential academic programs. Podelski warned, “If this funding isn't released soon, three quarters of districts are going to have to eliminate programs that help children improve academically in core subjects like reading and math” (06:09).

• Political Implications: An analysis by New America reveals that Republican-led districts are disproportionately affected, losing 1.6 times more funding per pupil compared to Democrat-led districts (06:20).

3. Consequences for Schools and Students

The abrupt withholding of funds has thrown many school districts into chaos, particularly those in low-income and rural areas. Corey Turner shares insights from interviews with superintendents like Brian Huber of Page County Public Schools:

• Teacher Recruitment and Training: Huber highlighted the struggle to retain experienced teachers, relying instead on less experienced hires who depend on federal funds for necessary training. He poignantly stated, “No one wants to come to work and feel like a failure” (07:16).

• Academic Programs at Risk: Without the funds, critical programs that support academic improvement in reading and math are at risk of being cut, directly impacting students' educational outcomes.

4. Transformations in Higher Education

The Trump administration has not only targeted K-12 but has also extended its scrutiny to higher education institutions.

• Targeting Elite Universities: The administration has launched actions against prestigious universities like Harvard and Columbia University, accusing them of fostering anti-Semitism. Columbia recently agreed to pay a $220 million fine, a move perceived by many as Trump's attempt to position himself against “elite woke liberal universities” (09:26).

• Student Loan Overhaul: In a significant policy shift, Republicans have implemented a comprehensive overhaul of the federal student loan system. While some changes may favor borrowers, the department faces monumental challenges in executing these reforms with its reduced workforce. Corey Turner comments, “My email right now is a swirling vortex of borrower questions” (10:42), underscoring the confusion and frustration among students and former borrowers.

5. Legal Oversight and Special Education

The reduction in Department of Education staff has also impacted legal oversight, particularly for students with disabilities.

• Loss of Advocacy: Attorney Emily Moroli, who advocates for students with disabilities, expressed grave concerns about the future. She warned, “Students with disabilities and their families [may be] left vulnerable and without a mechanism for making sure that their kids are receiving the services that they are legally entitled to and they are morally entitled to” (08:52).

• Erosion of Protections: Without sufficient legal personnel, the department's ability to enforce educational rights is severely diminished, potentially reversing decades of progress in special education.

Conclusion

As President Trump's administration continues to reshape the Department of Education, the ramifications are felt across the educational landscape. From K-12 funding shortages threatening essential programs to higher education institutions grappling with increased regulatory pressures, the changes signal a significant shift in federal education policy. The reduction in departmental capacity further exacerbates these challenges, leaving educators, students, and families navigating an uncertain future.

Corey Turner's comprehensive reporting underscores the urgency of these developments, highlighting the critical need for stable and adequate funding to support the nation's education system. As the Trump administration's policies unfold, the true impact on American education remains to be fully seen, but the immediate effects are already profound and far-reaching.

This episode was produced by Katherine Fink, edited by Nicole Cohen and Courtney Dorning, with executive production by Sami Yenigun. For more information and updates, visit NPR's Consider This.