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30-Second Take
- The Trump administration has halted around 170 research contracts for the Institute of Education Sciences (IES).
- These cuts include terminating 29 training grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion worth $101 million.
- The move aligns with broader efforts to shrink the federal bureaucracy and challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES), a nonpartisan research arm of the Education Department, has been significantly impacted by the Trump administration’s latest cuts. The IES is responsible for gathering data on various topics, including research-backed teaching practices and the state of U.S. student achievement.
Core Players
- Donald Trump – President of the United States
- Institute of Education Sciences (IES) – Research arm of the U.S. Department of Education
- American Institutes for Research (AIR) – Nonprofit organization conducting behavioral and social science research
- Linda McMahon – Trump’s nominee for education secretary
Key Numbers
- 170 – Number of IES research contracts halted
- 29 – Number of diversity, equity, and inclusion training grants terminated
- $101 million – Total value of terminated DEI grants
- $79 billion – Annual budget of the U.S. Department of Education
- 4,400 – Number of employees in the U.S. Department of Education
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The Catalyst
The latest cuts are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to reduce federal bureaucracy and challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. This move has significant implications for educational research and policy.
“The money that has been invested in research, data, and evaluations that are nearing completion is now getting the taxpayers no return on their investment,” said Dana Tofig, an AIR spokesperson.
Inside Forces
The Trump administration’s actions reflect a long-held stance against centralized federal education policies. The administration is considering executive action to dismantle parts of the Education Department and shift some responsibilities to other federal agencies.
This strategy aligns with the administration’s goal of shrinking the federal workforce and bureaucracy, as outlined in the conservative government blueprint, Project 2025.
Power Dynamics
The power dynamics at play involve the Trump administration’s executive authority and the limitations imposed by congressional oversight. Any significant changes to the Education Department, such as dismantling it entirely, would require congressional approval.
Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee for education secretary, has yet to be confirmed by the Senate, adding another layer of complexity to these changes.
Outside Impact
The termination of research contracts and DEI grants will have far-reaching impacts on educational research, diversity initiatives, and student outcomes. Universities and research institutions are bracing for potential losses in federal funding and are considering pre-emptive compliance measures.
“The order has already sent shock waves,” said Kaleb Briscoe, an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma, highlighting the immediate concern among higher education experts.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, the Trump administration’s next steps could include further executive actions targeting other aspects of the Education Department. This might involve shifting responsibilities such as student loan administration and special education programs to other departments.
Potential legal challenges and congressional pushback could also shape the future of these reforms.
- Shifting student loan administration to the Treasury Department
- Transferring special education programs to the Health and Human Services Department
- Continued challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies
Data Points
- Feb. 10, 2025: Trump administration halts IES research contracts
- Feb. 3, 2025: Trump administration considers big cuts to the Education Department
- Jan. 22, 2025: Trump signs executive order targeting DEI policies
- 2016: Trump first proposes eliminating the Education Department during his presidential campaign
The Trump administration’s actions against the Education Department’s research arm and diversity initiatives mark a significant shift in federal education policy. As these changes unfold, they will likely have profound effects on educational research, diversity programs, and the broader educational landscape.
