Trump Moves to Shut Down the Department of Education: Bold Reform or Risky Gamble?
In a move that could shake up the American education system, President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order at the White House this Thursday to significantly reduce, and ultimately dismantle, the Department of Education. According to multiple sources who spoke with ABC News, this long-anticipated decision is part of Trump's broader plan to return education control to individual states—a key campaign promise.
A Major Shift in Education Policy
The order, as outlined in a White House summary, directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take "all necessary steps" to shut down the Department of Education while ensuring that vital services, programs, and benefits remain uninterrupted. The administration has been exploring ways to transition key programs to other federal agencies, but the specifics of how this will be achieved remain unclear.
This decision has been months in the making and has already set significant changes in motion. Last week, the department took its first major step toward downsizing by laying off nearly half of its employees. Many more positions have been eliminated through retirement buyouts and voluntary resignations. And Trump isn’t stopping there—he has vowed to continue reducing staff until the department is a thing of the past.
Will Congress Stand in the Way?
While the executive order is a significant move, completely abolishing the Department of Education is not solely within Trump's power. Congressional approval is required to formally dissolve a federal agency, meaning McMahon will need lawmakers' support to fully carry out this vision. To overcome a Senate filibuster, 60 "yes" votes would be necessary—something that could be a tall order in a deeply divided Congress.
Trump remains confident, however. In a recent interview on "Full Measure" with Sharyl Attkisson, he doubled down on his commitment, saying, "I expect it will [be shut down entirely]. You'll have a few people left just to make sure [the states are] teaching English—you know, reading, writing, and arithmetic."
State Leaders Rally Behind the Move
A number of Republican state governors are expected to be present at the White House for the signing ceremony, including Florida’s Ron DeSantis, Virginia’s Glenn Youngkin, Texas’ Greg Abbott, and Ohio’s Mike DeWine. These leaders, who have long supported the idea of increasing state control over education, see this as an opportunity to revamp their own school systems with fewer federal restrictions.
The Debate: A Necessary Reform or a Threat to Public Education?
Trump and other conservatives argue that the Department of Education has had too much power for over four decades, spending vast sums of taxpayer money without yielding meaningful improvements in student performance. By shifting control to states, they believe parents and local communities will have more say in how their children are educated, rather than being subjected to broad federal mandates.
However, critics warn that dissolving the department could have severe consequences, particularly for students who rely on federal programs. Some of the biggest concerns include:
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Loss of Funding for Vulnerable Students: Programs like Title I, which provides support for low-income families, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) could face disruptions.
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Uncertainty Over Student Loans & Grants: Millions of students depend on Pell Grants and federal student loans to afford college. The administration has promised that these will remain intact, but critics are skeptical.
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Potential Chaos in Transition: Without a clear roadmap for how responsibilities will be distributed among other agencies, there are fears of administrative bottlenecks and confusion for schools and students alike.
McMahon has reassured the public that the agency will continue administering statutory programs that assist disadvantaged students. In a recent interview on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle," she emphasized that employees handling these essential services will not be impacted by layoffs. Additionally, a statement from the Department of Education confirmed that funding for special needs students, Pell Grants, and competitive grant programs will remain in place.
The Bigger Picture: A Fight Over Educational Freedom
For Trump and his supporters, this move is about more than just bureaucratic restructuring—it’s about educational freedom. McMahon has underscored that dismantling the agency aligns with a larger goal: ensuring that families have the ability to choose a "quality education" rather than being "stuck in failing schools."
The broader school choice movement, which Trump has championed, seeks to expand charter schools, voucher programs, and other alternatives to traditional public schools. By transferring power back to the states, proponents believe education policies can be better tailored to the unique needs of students in each region rather than being dictated by a one-size-fits-all federal approach.
What Happens Next?
While the executive order is a significant first step, the future of the Department of Education remains uncertain. If Congress resists efforts to completely abolish the agency, Trump may still achieve a substantial reduction in its power and influence. Meanwhile, states will begin preparing for a potential shift in responsibilities and funding structures.
No matter where you stand on the issue, one thing is clear: this decision will have far-reaching consequences for millions of students, parents, and educators across the country. Whether it leads to a revitalized education system or widespread disruption remains to be seen.
What do you think? Should education be handled at the state level, or does the federal government play an essential role in maintaining quality and equality in schools? One thing’s for sure—the debate is just getting started.
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