The Trump administration enacted a sweeping reshaping of federal education policy this year, moving authority from the Department of Education to other agencies and pressing changes across K-12 and higher education. Education Secretary Linda McMahon told reporters the year delivered ‘‘restoring merit in higher education’’ and cuts to programs she labeled wasteful. Senate Democrats and education stakeholders have pushed back, warning the reorganization and program eliminations risk service disruptions for schools, colleges, and vulnerable student populations. Officials implemented major actions tied to Project 2025 objectives: deregulation of certain federal grant programs, new executive orders on admissions and campus speech, and reassigning departmental functions to other agencies. The changes also included high-profile staff reductions that left several offices understaffed and created operational delays for programs such as Head Start and critical formula grants. Colleges and district leaders report increased administrative burden and confusion around compliance as guidance and responsibilities shift across agencies. The policy moves have implications for federal research funding, student aid oversight, and Title I/Title III supports that many districts rely on to serve low-income and English-learning students.