Trump Administration Considers Eliminating the Department of Education
A draft executive order is circulating within the Trump administration that proposes the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education, a move that would represent a significant shift in the federal government’s role in education policy. According to a draft reviewed by USA TODAY, the order, if signed, would direct Linda McMahon, the newly appointed education secretary, to dismantle the agency she now leads to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.
Since only Congress possesses the authority to abolish federal agencies, the executive order would present a novel test of presidential power. It also has the potential to generate widespread uncertainty about the future of the billions of dollars in congressionally appropriated funds that are distributed through the Department of Education to schools and students nationwide.
The draft order instructs McMahon to "take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities." While it remains unclear whether this particular draft is the version currently under consideration by President Trump, the White House has not confirmed or denied the imminent signing of an executive action aimed at dismantling the department.
During his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to eliminate the Department of Education, echoing Republican sentiments that the agency wields excessive control over local and state education policies, despite the federal government’s lack of authority over school curriculum. Trump has publicly stated that he hopes McMahon will eventually work herself "out of a job."
The potential executive order, reported by several major news outlets, comes on the heels of McMahon’s confirmation by the U.S. Senate. In a message to department staff, McMahon outlined what she termed the "final mission" of the agency, which she described as "end[ing] the overreach from Washington." She wrote, "This restoration will profoundly impact staff, budgets, and agency operations here at the Department. In coming months, we will partner with Congress and other federal agencies to determine the best path forward to fulfill the expectations of the President and the American people."
While McMahon did not explicitly call for the complete abolition of the Department of Education in her public statements, she has carefully navigated the issue since being nominated by Trump. While her boss has consistently expressed his intention to shut down the department, McMahon acknowledged during her Senate confirmation hearing that the agency could not be closed without congressional approval.
She also emphasized that vital funding streams, such as Pell Grants, federal student loans, and Title I financial assistance for low-income schools, would not be affected by the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize the agency.
However, the president’s broader agenda has already caused significant disruption within the American education system. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has terminated millions of dollars in education research contracts, effectively decimating the Department of Education’s data-collecting branch. Universities are in a state of uncertainty due to a court battle over proposed cuts to funding on which they heavily rely. Furthermore, grant funding for researchers has been frozen, jeopardizing graduate admissions and posing a significant threat to college budgets.
The Department of Education itself has been grappling with layoffs, buyouts, and administrative turnover, leading to internal frustrations and hindering its ability to function effectively. The agency’s human resources chief warned employees of another "very significant" reduction in workforce, urging them to accept a $25,000 offer to quit or resign within days.
During McMahon’s confirmation hearing, Senator Susan Collins questioned whether gutting the agency responsible for overseeing important federal programs for schools would have broader implications. "How do we maintain the administration and oversight of these programs if we abolish or substantially reorganize the Department of Education?" she asked.
McMahon assured that the flow of money from Congress would not be disrupted, but Democrats remain unconvinced. The potential dismantling of the Department of Education has raised concerns about the future of federal education policy and the impact on schools and students across the country. The debate surrounding the agency’s role and future is likely to continue as the Trump administration pursues its agenda of reducing federal government oversight.
The potential consequences of eliminating the Department of Education are far-reaching and multifaceted. Proponents of the move argue that it would restore control over education to states and local communities, allowing them to tailor educational programs to the specific needs of their students. They also contend that it would reduce federal bureaucracy and save taxpayer dollars.
However, critics fear that eliminating the department would lead to a decline in educational standards, particularly in disadvantaged communities. They argue that the federal government plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Furthermore, they worry that the elimination of the department would disrupt vital funding streams and jeopardize important programs that support students and schools.
The debate over the Department of Education’s future is likely to intensify in the coming months as the Trump administration moves forward with its plans. The outcome of this debate will have a profound impact on the American education system for years to come.
