If you’ve got a kid with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you’ve probably seen the headlines. They’re scary. People are talking about the Department of Education closing down, funding being slashed, and the federal government basically walking away from special education. It’s enough to make any parent lose sleep.
Honestly, the short answer to "is Trump getting rid of IEP" is no—at least not in the way most people fear. He can’t just snap his fingers and make the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) vanish. That’s a federal law passed by Congress.
But—and this is a big "but"—while the law itself isn't gone, the way it works is changing fast. Between the "Skinny Budget" for fiscal year 2026 and the chaos of recent layoffs at the Department of Education, the protection of your child's IEP is looking a lot different than it did a few years ago.
The Legal Reality: Why the IEP Isn’t Dead (Yet)
Let’s be real for a second. An IEP is a legal contract. Under IDEA, every child with a disability is entitled to a "Free Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE). This hasn't changed. As of early 2026, the law remains on the books.
The Trump administration’s current stance, according to officials like Lindsey Burke, is that they aren't looking to "get rid" of special education. In fact, the 2026 budget proposal actually suggests keeping IDEA funding at roughly the same level—about $15.5 billion.
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However, the administration is pushing for something called the Special Education Simplified Funding Program. Basically, they want to take seven different parts of IDEA funding and smash them into one single pot. They say it’s to cut "red tape." Critics say it’s a way to remove the "strings" that force states to actually follow the rules.
What’s Actually Changing? It’s About the Oversight
The real drama isn't about the law; it’s about the people who enforce it.
In late 2025, we saw a massive "reduction-in-force" (that’s government-speak for layoffs) at the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). These are the folks who monitor whether states are actually giving kids the services they’re promised.
- Staffing Gaps: When you fire the people who investigate complaints, who ensures the school is actually providing that speech therapy or one-on-one aide?
- The "Block Grant" Shift: The goal is to move toward block grants. This means the federal government hands a lump sum to the state and says, "You figure it out."
- The Department Closure: Trump has been vocal about wanting to close the U.S. Department of Education entirely. If that happens, special education oversight would likely move to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Think about that. Moving a civil rights education program to a health agency. It’s a shift from a "rights-based" model to a "medical" model. That has a lot of advocates really worried.
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The "School Choice" Twist and Your IEP
One of the biggest pillars of the 2025-2026 education policy is "portability." You might have heard it called "school choice" or Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).
The idea is that federal money should follow the student. If you want to take your child with a disability out of a public school and put them in a private or faith-based school, the administration wants you to be able to take that federal IDEA money with you.
Sounds great on paper, right? More options! But there’s a catch. Most private schools aren't required to follow IDEA. If you take that "voucher" or ESA money to a private school, you often "waive" your rights. That means the private school doesn't necessarily have to provide the specific services listed in the IEP. You’re basically trading your legal protections for a tuition check.
The 2026 Budget: Winners and Losers
While the main IDEA funding (Part B) is staying level, other things are getting the axe.
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- Teacher Training: Millions in grants for training special education teachers have been canceled. We already have a massive teacher shortage. Cutting the pipeline for new specialists is... well, it's a choice.
- Parent Information Centers: There was a scare that these would be defunded, but for now, the administration says they’ll keep supporting the 75 or so centers that help parents navigate the IEP process.
- Research and Tech: Funding for "national activities" (Part D)—which covers things like accessible classroom technology—is being moved into the general state grants.
Is Your Child’s IEP Safe?
If your kid is in a public school right now, their IEP is still a legally binding document. The school cannot just stop providing services because of who is in the White House.
The danger is more subtle. It’s about "accountability." If a school district decides to cut corners because they know the federal government isn't looking over their shoulder, parents are the ones who have to fight. And without a robust Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to back them up, that fight gets a lot harder and more expensive.
What You Should Do Right Now
Don’t panic, but do get organized. The landscape is shifting, and you need to be your child’s loudest advocate.
- Document Everything: Since federal oversight is weakening, your paper trail is your best weapon. Keep every email, every progress report, and every meeting note.
- Know Your State Laws: As the federal government pulls back, your state’s specific laws (like those in California or New Jersey) become much more important. Some states have much stronger protections than the federal minimum.
- Connect with a Parent Center: Look up your local Parent Training and Information Center (PTI). They are the experts on how these federal changes are hitting your specific school district.
- Watch the Reorg: Keep an eye on the transition of services to HHS. If the Department of Education closes, the rules for how you file a "due process" complaint might change overnight.
The IEP isn't "gone," but the safety net underneath it is being dismantled. It’s a move from a national standard to a "choose your own adventure" system based on what state you live in. Stay sharp.
Next Steps for Parents:
Check the current status of your state's special education funding by visiting your State Department of Education website. If you're considering a private school voucher or ESA, ask the school in writing: "Will you provide the specific services and accommodations listed in my child's current IEP?" before signing any waivers.