In a bold move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling a longstanding promise to reduce the size of the federal government. Trump criticized the department for what he called “breath-taking failures” and pledged to return its resources directly to individual states.
“We’re going to shut it down as quickly as possible,” Trump declared, although he acknowledged that the process would require an act of Congress. Despite the complexities involved, the executive order marks a significant step in his administration’s push for government reform.
A Plan to Return Control to States
Trump has frequently criticized the department for overstepping its bounds, asserting that education should be managed at the state and local level. While the federal government contributes only a small portion—around 13%—of funding for primary and secondary schools, the Department of Education plays a critical role in administering student loans and offering programs for disadvantaged students.
Though most school funding comes from state and local taxes, the department’s responsibilities extend to important areas like student loans and assistance for low-income students. Trump’s move, however, is grounded in the belief that control over education should be firmly in the hands of states, with fewer mandates and bureaucratic oversight from Washington.
Legal Challenges and Workforce Cuts
The president’s executive order is already facing legal hurdles. Critics argue that dismantling the department could have disastrous consequences for student services and undermine federal programs designed to support vulnerable populations.
Adding to the controversy, the order paves the way for sweeping staff reductions. Nearly half of the department’s workforce—around 4,400 employees—has already been impacted by previous workforce cuts, with plans to lay off over 2,100 people. The White House has signaled that parts of the department could be eliminated or restructured in the future, similar to what has happened with other federal agencies.
The Battle Over Education in America
This executive order is not the first time conservatives have sought to dismantle the Department of Education. Efforts to cut or abolish the agency have been ongoing for decades, with President Ronald Reagan calling for its elimination just two years after its creation in 1979. Despite the department’s relatively small share of the federal budget—less than 2%—its role in education policy remains a point of contention.
Trump’s decision to target the department also ties into broader concerns among his supporters about what they view as ideological overreach in the nation’s schools. Critics, including the American Federation of Teachers, argue that Trump’s actions could undermine essential education programs and leave vulnerable children without the support they need.
What’s Next?
While the executive order has generated controversy, the legal and political road ahead remains uncertain. Closing the department would require substantial legislative action, and even with Republican control of the Senate, it remains unlikely that the necessary 60 votes could be mustered for such a sweeping change.
Even if the department isn’t completely dismantled, Trump’s administration is expected to push for significant reductions in its funding and influence. With a focus on transferring authority to state governments, the future of education in America could look very different under the current administration.
Trump’s goal is clear: to reshape education in America by returning control to local communities, but the legal and practical implications of dismantling such a significant part of the federal government are yet to be fully realized. As the battle over the Department of Education continues, only time will tell how these changes will ultimately impact the nation’s students.
