SHOTLIST:

WASHINGTON DC, US (NOV. 20, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON CAROLINE LEAVITT SPEAKING (English)

2. EDUCATION SECRETARY LINDA MCMAHON SPEAKING (English) WASHINGTON DC, US - NOV. 20: White House announced on Thursday, Nov. 20, that the process to shut down the US Department of Education has entered its final stage, stating that states, not Washington, will now manage education.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reviewed the latest steps regarding the department during a press briefing with U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

Leavitt explained that the Donald Trump administration has now fulfilled its election promise to close the Department of Education and transfer its related duties, authorities, responsibilities, and budget to the states.

She stated that President Trump took a significant step this week toward shrinking the federal bureaucracy, emphasizing that the administration is now returning education to the states and local level, where it belongs.

Secretary McMahon, who spoke next, stated that they had significantly completed coordination between the department and other federal and local agencies, indicating the department's closure is imminent.

McMahon stressed that while transferring education management to the states, many programs—especially those targeting low-income families—will continue, thus ensuring children and families in need of support are not victimized.

The Secretary did not specify the exact date of the closure but stated that the process has reached its conclusion.