In a move that signals a major shift in federal education policy, the Trump administration has unveiled its budget proposal for the fiscal year 2026, outlining significant changes to the U.S. Department of Education. The plan includes a 15% reduction in funding and proposes several adjustments to key education programs. Here is a breakdown of the main components of the proposal.
The Plan to Phase Out the Education Department
The administration’s budget proposal underscores President Trump’s enduring objective to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Despite a court ruling last month that halted the executive order to close the department, the budget document remains firm in its stance, quoting Trump: “We’re going to be returning education very simply back to the states where it belongs.” The budget, requesting $66.7 billion, suggests a gradual approach rather than an immediate dismantling.
Title I Funding Maintains Stability
Key in the federal support structure for K-12 education, Title I funding aids districts with high levels of poverty. This budget plan preserves Title I funding at just over $18 billion, maintaining the same level of support as the previous two years. This decision contrasts with concerns that the administration might disrupt this crucial funding stream as part of a broader conservative policy agenda.
Consolidation and Cuts in K-12 Programs
The proposal outlines significant funding reductions and consolidations across numerous K-12 programs. Currently, $6.5 billion supports 18 programs that include teacher development and school safety. The administration’s plan would merge these into a single grant reduced to $2 billion, ostensibly to provide districts with more spending flexibility. Critics, however, express concerns that this could lead to neglect of specific student needs, such as those experiencing homelessness.
Special Education Funding: A Closer Look
Though the budget suggests an increase in funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to $14.9 billion, it effectively maintains the status quo by incorporating previously distinct programs. This means that, when adjusted for these costs, the funding for special education remains unchanged from prior levels.
Impacts on College Financial Aid
On the higher education front, the proposal includes notable cuts to federal aid programs. The maximum Pell Grant would see a reduction from approximately $7,400 to $5,700, a significant cut given the rising costs of higher education. Melanie Storey, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, criticized this move, stating it “reverses decades of commitment” to supporting students financially. The Federal Work-Study program also faces an 80% funding cut, with a shift in responsibility for student wages to colleges and universities.
