Trump Reportedly Plans to Abolish Department of Education via Executive Order
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly poised to issue an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Citing individuals familiar with the matter and having reviewed a draft of the order, the newspaper suggests the action could be taken as early as Thursday.
The draft order directs newly appointed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate and execute all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department, within the confines of legal permissibility.
The reported move aligns with Trump’s long-held criticisms of the Department of Education and its role in American education. The draft order asserts that federal control over education through programs and funding, along with the associated bureaucracy, has "failed our children, our teachers, and our families."
Trump has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the Department of Education’s performance, citing the nation’s ranking in education compared to other countries despite high per-pupil spending. He referred to the system as "a big con job" and pointed to the discrepancy between educational outcomes and financial investment.
Secretary McMahon appears to be in agreement with the president’s vision. Shortly after assuming her role, she stated her intention to "send education back to the states," echoing Trump’s belief in decentralizing control over education. In a letter addressed to Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), McMahon affirmed her "wholehearted" support for Trump’s plan to abolish the department.
The Department of Education, with approximately 4,500 employees, is the smallest cabinet-level agency. The Wall Street Journal reports that the department is currently offering incentives, up to $25,000, to encourage staff to resign or retire by Monday evening, suggesting potential workforce reductions in anticipation of the planned changes.
According to McMahon’s letter, the department will operate under three core principles: prioritizing parental decision-making in children’s education, refocusing taxpayer-funded education on core subjects like math, reading, science, and history while avoiding "divisive DEI programs and gender ideology," and ensuring that post-secondary education leads to well-paying careers aligned with workforce demands.
The move to abolish the Department of Education signals a significant shift in the federal government’s role in education policy. Trump and McMahon advocate for a more decentralized approach, returning control to individual states and prioritizing parental involvement and academic rigor.
Arguments for Abolishing the Department of Education
Proponents of abolishing the Department of Education often argue that it has become an overbearing bureaucracy that hinders innovation and stifles local control over education. They believe that states and local communities are better equipped to address the unique needs of their students.
Critics point to the Department of Education’s role in implementing standardized testing and curriculum mandates, which they argue can lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to meet the diverse needs of students. They also argue that federal funding comes with strings attached, forcing states to comply with federal regulations that may not be in their best interests.
Furthermore, some argue that the Department of Education has become entangled in political and ideological battles, promoting policies that are divisive and distract from the core mission of education.
Potential Consequences of Abolishing the Department of Education
Abolishing the Department of Education could have far-reaching consequences for American education. Some potential impacts include:
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Reduced Federal Funding: The Department of Education provides billions of dollars in funding to states and local school districts each year. Abolishing the department could lead to a significant reduction in federal funding for education, which could disproportionately affect low-income schools and students.
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Increased State Control: Returning control of education to the states could lead to greater flexibility and innovation. However, it could also exacerbate inequalities between states, as some states may lack the resources or political will to adequately fund education.
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Weakened Civil Rights Enforcement: The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights plays a crucial role in enforcing federal civil rights laws in education. Abolishing the department could weaken civil rights protections for students, particularly those from marginalized groups.
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Loss of National Leadership: The Department of Education provides national leadership on education issues, promoting best practices and coordinating research and development. Abolishing the department could lead to a loss of national expertise and coordination.
McMahon’s Vision for Education
Secretary McMahon’s stated priorities reflect a desire to refocus education on core academic subjects and empower parents to make decisions about their children’s education. Her emphasis on aligning post-secondary education with workforce needs suggests a desire to prepare students for specific careers rather than a broader liberal arts education.
Her opposition to "divisive DEI programs and gender ideology" aligns with a broader conservative critique of certain approaches to diversity and inclusion in education. These types of programs, and others like them, are seen as an avenue for the insertion of political ideology into the curriculum and school programs.
Whether Trump will follow through with abolishing the Department of Education remains to be seen. However, the report underscores his continued commitment to reshaping the federal government’s role in education and empowering states and local communities to take greater control.
Recent Department of Education actions
The Department of Education recently canceled approximately $350 million in what it described as "woke spending" for contracts and grants. These actions, along with the launching of the "ENDDEI" portal to report discrimination, signal a shift away from certain diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the department.
