Rooted in legislation signed by President Andrew Johnson in 1867, the U.S. Department of Education has faced criticism since it became operational in 1980 — and now, a renewed effort by the current Trump administration could see the end of the department altogether, with lawmakers and education advocates debating its effectiveness, alleged federal overreach, and the future of state-controlled education.
“I would like it to be closed immediately,” President Donald Trump said of the Department of Education in a recent press conference.
