Executive Order To Shut Down the Department of Education, Higher Education Outlook Rated as Negative, Executive Order to Eliminate the Functions of IMLS
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March 20, 2025
Leading the News this Week
Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) at a White House event focused on the Administration’s goal to end the U.S. Department of Education, calling Secretary Linda McMahon the last Secretary of Education, and thus directing her to, within the extent of the law, facilitate the closure of the Department of Education (ED). The White House did acknowledge that a base level of operations would continue, including for all statutorily required programs such as Federal Student Aid. This order comes in the wake of ED enacting a reduction in force (RIF) which downsized ED's staff by nearly 50 percent. Meanwhile, a complete closure of a cabinet level department requires Congressional action, which seems unlikely given the thin majorities in both chambers. Please review ACCT's statement regarding this development. In addition, the text of this executive order is available on the Trump administration's presidential actions' landing page.
ACCT is nonetheless committed to advocating for the needs of community colleges and their students and we will continue our work to promote institutional strength, focus on student success, and highlight community colleges as engines for workforce development, priorities which transcend the shape of the Department. As always, ACCT encourages its members to urge their elected officials to commit to continuing the vitally important programs and oversight regardless of how the federal government is organized. Members and other community college advocates can click here to contact their members of Congress.
News in Higher Education
Higher Education Outlook Rated as Negative
Moody's Ratings, which evaluate the creditworthiness of debt obligations, programs, and entities has downgraded its outlook for the higher education sector from stable to now negative. According to Moody's report, policies which make it difficult for colleges and universities to operate as well as macroeconomic conditions are contributing to this rating. For instance, Moody's pointed to staff reductions in the Department of Education that can possibly lead to revenue disruptions for programs whose students rely on Pell Grants and federal student loans.
Trump Signed Executive Order to Eliminate the Functions of IMLS
On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the executive order titled "Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy." This order directs the head of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), among other entities, to reduce personnel and eliminate its functions to the maximum extent permitted by the law. While the connection to community colleges and higher education may not seem direct, IMLS, among many things, prioritizes workforce development, broadband access, and support for veterans and military families.
ACCT is tracking both presidential actions as well as relevant judicial proceedings. In addition, please visit the White House landing page for Presidential Actions for a running list of signed executive orders and other executive activities.
ACCT is Asking you to Take Action
Now that Congress was able to avert a government shutdown by passing a continuing resolution that funds the government until September 30, 2025, ACCT is monitoring how reconciliation and appropriations for FY 26 will shape out. Please visit ACCT's Action Center and let your members of Congress know how your institutions leverage federal funds to improve outcomes for students. It is vital to emphasize the specific programs, funding levels, and number of students and staff impacted by possible changes.
LAW Live Recording
Thank you for joining the ACCT Government Relations team last week as they took a deep dive into federal government funding, presidential actions, and judicial activity. The video and accompanying slide deck is posted on ACCT Connect. Please tune in for April 4th's LAW Live where the Government Relations team will discuss the Trump administration's latest executive orders, Congressional updates, and the latest advocacy efforts ACCT is undertaking. Click here to register.
- April 4 1:00PM ET - LAW Live Webinar
- April 29 11:59PM ET - Head Start/Early Head Start Grant Application Due
May 2 1:00PM ET - LAW Live Webinar
May 23 - Deadline for ACCT's Leadership Congress Presentation Proposals
- June 6 1:00PM ET - LAW Live Webinar
- June 20 - Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE) Grant Application Due
- Jul 11, 2025 01:00 PM ET - LAW Live Webinar
- Aug 1, 2025 01:00 PM ET - LAW Live Webinar
- Sep 5, 2025 01:00 PM ET - LAW Live Webinar
- October 22 - 25 - ACCT Leadership Congress
Outreach Efforts
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ACCT NOW is the go-to resource for issues affecting community colleges. Our new website features original reporting and research, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates. ACCT NOW also includes articles, reports, and research from outside sources that benefit the ACCT community. Read the Latest Articles on ACCT NOW:
Would you Like a Federal Update Session for Your Team?
Both this new presidential administration and new Congress have brought with them a flurry of developments in the federal landscape that can make keeping up a monumental task. ACCT's Government Relations team is here to help by offering a 45 minute to an hour federal update session to community college leadership teams who are ACCT members. To request a session, please email publicpolicy@acct.org with the subject line "Request for Federal Update Session."
Have a Question?
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