Trump Moves to Abolish Department of Education, Sparking Intense Debate
Former President Donald Trump is taking decisive steps to dismantle the Department of Education, reigniting a long-standing debate about the role of the federal government in education. Trump is expected to sign an executive order to initiate the process, fulfilling a prominent campaign pledge to eliminate the agency, which he previously characterized as being rife with radical ideologies and bureaucratic excess.
The White House argues that abolishing the Department of Education will empower families and local communities to take greater control over education, fostering a more responsive and effective system. Trump and his supporters contend that the agency has consistently failed American students, pointing to stagnant or declining scores on national assessments as evidence of its ineffectiveness.
Harrison Fields, the White House principal deputy press secretary, highlighted the alarming state of education, citing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) that reveals a concerning decline in student performance. Fields also criticized the previous administration’s policies, alleging that the influx of illegal minors into the country has strained school resources and diverted attention from American students. Additionally, the White House has repeatedly condemned the rise of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, asserting that they promote anti-American sentiment and undermine the core principles of education.
Trump’s executive order aims to expand educational opportunities by empowering parents, states, and communities to tailor education to meet the specific needs of their students. The directive follows the Senate’s confirmation of Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as the head of the Department of Education. McMahon has expressed her support for the Trump administration’s vision and pledged to oversee a period of accountability as the agency undergoes its final phase.
In a memo released shortly after her confirmation, McMahon emphasized the importance of respecting the will of the American people and the President they elected. She stated that the Department’s mission is to eliminate bureaucratic bloat and carry out its final responsibilities in a responsible manner.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) swiftly responded to reports of Trump’s impending executive order, issuing a statement urging Congress to reject the measure and reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to all children, students, and working families. The teachers union cited a recent poll indicating that a majority of Americans oppose abolishing the Department of Education.
AFT President Randi Weingarten argued that the Department of Education plays a crucial role in leveling the playing field and providing opportunities for all students to succeed. She accused Trump of prioritizing the interests of his own children and wealthy donors over the needs of all American students.
The White House countered these criticisms by highlighting the billions of dollars spent on education with little to no improvement in student outcomes. The White House cited data on Baltimore high schools where no students tested proficient in mathematics.
The Trump administration has also taken steps to eliminate what it considers to be radical ideologies from schools, cancelling millions of dollars in grants that supported programs promoting race-based discrimination and gender identity ideology. The White House asserts that the previous administration forced schools to comply with ideological initiatives, social experiments, and outdated programs.
Trump has also expressed strong support for school choice, advocating for policies that would allow parents to send their children to public, private, charter, or faith-based schools of their choice. He has pledged to use his authority to empower parents and return control of education to the states.
Despite Trump’s executive order, the ultimate decision on whether to abolish the Department of Education rests with Congress. Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the authority to create and dissolve federal agencies. In the Senate, a vote of 60 is required, and the Republicans have 53 seats.
However, there is some support in Congress for eliminating the Department. Representative Thomas Massie, Republican from Kentucky, introduced a measure to abolish the Department of Education by December 2026. Massie argued that unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., should not be in charge of children’s intellectual and moral development.
Trump has publicly stated that he wants states to run schools and expressed his hope that McMahon would eventually lose her job. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has affirmed Trump’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promise to disband the Department.
Established in 1980, the Department of Education aims to improve coordination of federal education programs and support state and local school systems. The agency received a budget of $79.1 billion in fiscal year 2024.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the Department of Education for what he views as the abuse of taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s youth. Critics of the Department have pointed to the Nation’s Report Card, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which has revealed stagnant or declining student performance in key subjects.
Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has called for a "complete reset" of the U.S. education system, starting with the closure of the Department of Education, which she argues has focused more on diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates than the foundations of education.
Democrats have expressed strong opposition to Trump’s plan to abolish the Department of Education, raising concerns about the impact on students, parents, borrowers, educators, and communities. They have urged the Department to resist any efforts to dismantle the agency and to uphold its commitment to ensuring equal access to a high-quality education for all students.
The fate of the Department of Education remains uncertain. Trump’s executive order has ignited a fierce debate about the role of the federal government in education, and the issue is likely to be a major focus of political debate in the coming months and years.
