Trump’s Move to Dismantle the US Department of Education: Its Impact on India

The United States is undergoing a major shift in its education policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, with a plan to abolish the US Department of Education through an executive order. This move has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among education professionals in the US, with experts arguing that it could have far-reaching implications—not just for America but for global education, including India.

What’s Happening in the US?

The Trump administration’s education policies have long been focused on decentralisation—moving decision-making power from the federal government to individual states. The latest effort aims to dismantle the Department of Education altogether, returning full control of education to state governments.

A report by The Guardian describes the panic among Department of Education employees, who fear losing their jobs as federal funding for education faces imminent cuts (source). The department currently supports around 7.5 million students with disabilities and provides critical funding to Title I schools, which cater to over 26 million children living in poverty. The proposed shutdown could mean an end to federal oversight of educational equity, potentially worsening disparities in access to quality education.

The administration has also issued directives eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federally funded schools, warning that failure to comply could result in the loss of funding for essential services such as student loans, free lunch programs, and special education support (source).

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Why Does This Matter Beyond the US?

America’s education policies often set a global precedent, influencing trends in international education, research collaborations, and student exchange programs. If the US withdraws from actively shaping global education policies, it could create a ripple effect on countries, including India, where millions aspire to study in American universities.

1. Funding Cuts Could Impact Indian Students Studying in the US

   • The US is the top destination for Indian students, with nearly 200,000 Indian students enrolled in American universities in 2024.
   • If Trump’s administration cuts federal student loan programs, the financial burden on international students could increase.
   • Scholarship opportunities, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, could shrink significantly.

2. Loss of DEI Programs Could Make US Universities Less Inclusive for Indian Students

   • The directive to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs from federally funded institutions could reduce support services for Indian and other international students.
   • Many Indian students rely on DEI initiatives that offer mentorship, career guidance, and cultural adaptation programs.

3. Impact on Higher Education Partnerships

   • India has multiple research collaborations with US universities in fields like AI, healthcare, and climate science.
   • A weakened Department of Education may reduce funding for research collaborations, impacting Indian researchers working in the US.

4. Could India See a Similar Shift in Education Policy?

   • India is currently in a phase of educational reform, with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasising equitable access to education.
   • If the US reduces investment in public education, there’s concern that other nations, including India, may deprioritise education spending in the long run.

Who Will Be Affected the Most in India?

The biggest impact of the US education shake-up could be felt among economically weaker students and marginalised communities in India.

• Indian students from lower-income backgrounds aiming for US education could struggle with financial aid.
• Institutions collaborating with US universities may see a decline in research funding.
• Public education in India, which already faces funding constraints, might suffer if government priorities shift away from long-term investment in education.

A Step Back for Global Education?

Education has long been seen as the great equaliser, but dismantling federal oversight on education in the US may widen inequalities, not just within America but worldwide. The Time Magazine report on the history of US education policies (source) shows that education reforms have often been tied to social equity movements. Removing this federal framework could reverse decades of progress in education equality.

Experts argue that international collaboration is key in shaping future-ready education systems. However, if the US retracts its role in funding and regulating equitable education, it might push other nations towards privatisation and deregulation, creating greater disparities in access to quality learning.

What Next?

For Indian students, parents, and educators, this is a moment of introspection and advocacy. As the US undergoes these drastic changes, India must ensure that:

1. Financial support structures remain intact for Indian students aspiring to study abroad.
2. Global research collaborations continue, even if funding sources shift.
3. Domestic education policies remain focused on equitable access, rather than mirroring privatisation trends.

The US education system has long served as a benchmark for excellence, but its current trajectory raises concerns for students worldwide. For Indian students looking towards the US for higher education, the road ahead could be more uncertain than ever.

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