In a significant move that aligns with his campaign promises, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. This decision reflects a long-standing objective among certain conservative factions, who have criticized the agency for what they term “breath-taking failures” in managing educational resources.
During a ceremony held at the White House, where children were seated at school desks, Trump asserted that despite the U.S. spending more on education than any other nation, student performance remains subpar on the global scale. He emphasized his intent to shift control of educational funding back to individual states, stating, “We’re going to shut it down as quickly as possible.” However, the White House later clarified that complete closure of the agency would necessitate congressional approval.
Legal and Political Challenges Ahead
Trump’s initiative is already encountering legal hurdles from various groups opposed to the agency’s closure and the proposed staff cuts that were announced earlier. At the signing event, Trump expressed his appreciation for Linda McMahon, who he appointed to lead the Department of Education, and indicated his hope that she would be the last person to hold that position. He mentioned plans to assign her to other roles within his administration.
Additionally, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana has introduced legislation aimed at formalizing the closure of the department. Nevertheless, with the Republican Party holding a narrow majority in the Senate, securing the necessary votes—60 in total—could prove to be a formidable challenge.
Implications and Future Steps
While the department’s total dissolution remains uncertain, Trump’s administration may still significantly reduce its funding and staff, similar to the approach taken with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has seen many of its programs halted. Although the executive order lacks detailed specifics regarding which programs might be affected, it instructs McMahon to take all necessary measures to facilitate the department’s closure and delegate authority to state and local governments.
Established in 1979, the Department of Education is responsible for overseeing student loans and supporting initiatives aimed at aiding low-income students. Critics, including Trump himself, have accused the agency of promoting political and ideological agendas that they believe indoctrinate young people. Despite common misconceptions, the federal education department does not run schools or establish curricula, which are primarily managed at the state and local levels, with only about 13% of school funding coming from federal sources.
“This is our opportunity to perform one final, unforgettable public service to future generations of students,” McMahon wrote in a memo to department employees.
In light of these developments, the American Federation of Teachers has vocally opposed Trump’s intentions, arguing that his plans overlook the needs of disadvantaged children and those with disabilities. They emphasized the necessity of efficiency without compromising opportunities for all students.
For over four decades, there has been a persistent call from conservatives to abolish the Department of Education, with such sentiments gaining traction shortly after its inception under President Jimmy Carter. Currently, it stands as the smallest agency within the presidential cabinet, accounting for less than 2% of the total federal budget. The Trump administration’s ongoing workforce reductions have already impacted many employees at the agency, as nearly 2,100 staff members are slated for leave starting Friday, a move overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which has been directed by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.