As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to step into the White House, one of his most talked-about campaign promises is the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. This has been a consistent theme throughout his campaign, from his "Agenda47" platform to speeches and his support of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint aimed at reshaping the country. But while Trump has made it clear that he wants to reduce the federal government’s role in education, the reality of dismantling such an extensive and entrenched bureaucracy is far more complicated than simply pushing a button.
For Trump to succeed in dissolving the Department of Education, it would require more than just a signature on a piece of paper. He would need the approval of Congress, specifically a supermajority of 60 votes in the U.S. Senate, assuming the filibuster remains intact. As Brookings Institution’s Rachel Perera explains, even if this issue became a high priority for Trump’s administration, the challenges would remain immense. Not only does Trump lack full backing from his own party, but Democrats would likely oppose such a move, making it incredibly difficult to gather the necessary support.
But it’s not just political opposition that stands in the way. Perera also points out that the federal government is legally required to fund and manage a variety of programs that the Department of Education oversees. From billions in funding for low-income public schools to crucial support for students navigating the college financial aid system, dismantling the department would involve rolling back a vast range of programs—each requiring its own legislative action. So, while the desire to eliminate the Department of Education may be strong, turning this goal into reality is a monumental task.
What Does This Mean for States Like Delaware?
When it comes to Delaware, the impact could be significant, but we won’t know for sure until more concrete proposals come forward. A spokesperson from the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) noted that it’s too early to make specific statements without seeing the details of Trump's policy changes. However, we can already consider some of the potential consequences, given the central role the U.S. Department of Education plays in K-12 education, college funding, and civil rights enforcement.
The Department of Education handles several key functions that affect schools across the nation, including Delaware. One of the most critical areas is student loans. The department oversees programs like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and federal Pell Grants, which provide essential financial support to low-income students pursuing higher education. The department also manages a nearly $2 trillion federal student loan portfolio, which includes a complex system of repayments, forgiveness programs, and financial aid access.
Additionally, while much of public education in the U.S. is managed at the state and local levels, the federal government still provides about 10% of K-12 funding. This funding is tied to schools' compliance with federal laws, which could be in jeopardy if the department were dismantled. Local school districts and states could find themselves losing a significant portion of their budgets, forcing them to either raise taxes, reduce services, or cut essential programs.
Civil Rights Protection in Education
Another key responsibility of the Department of Education is enforcing civil rights in schools. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is tasked with investigating complaints related to issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying, especially against vulnerable student groups. This includes ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to education and that schools respond appropriately to allegations of harassment or violence.
If Trump were successful in eliminating the department without transferring these responsibilities elsewhere, the enforcement of these civil rights could weaken significantly. Perera argues that moving these programs to other government agencies without the necessary workforce would dilute their effectiveness. The quality and rigor of enforcement could decline, leaving vulnerable students without the protections they need.
This is not just hypothetical. In recent months, the Department of Education has resolved multiple investigations into Delaware school districts. For instance, the Colonial School District was required to improve access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students with disabilities, and the Red Clay district settled a case regarding the repeated harassment of a Jewish student. Just last year, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Delaware filed a complaint against the state’s Department of Education, citing issues with how discrimination complaints were handled.
With the number of civil rights complaints steadily increasing—now exceeding 20,000 annually—the idea of reducing enforcement at the federal level is particularly concerning for many. Perera stresses that not all Republicans in Congress would be on board with cutting such programs, as they directly impact students across a wide range of racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. These services, especially for students with disabilities, have bipartisan support and are unlikely to be easily dismissed.
The Political Landscape: Will Trump Have the Support to Follow Through?
Even though Trump’s platform has been clear, the political landscape surrounding education policy is highly complex. The notion of rolling back the Department of Education is a bold one, but it’s far from certain that Trump will have the political capital to make it happen. Not only does he need the support of Congress, but he would also need to navigate the delicate balance between pushing for a smaller federal government while still supporting controversial policies like banning federal funding for schools teaching “critical race theory” or supporting transgender rights.
Trump’s agenda could face resistance not just from Democrats, but also from moderate Republicans who are concerned about the potential consequences of eliminating the department. Some of his own party members may not fully agree with the sweeping cuts proposed, especially given the importance of the Department of Education in managing programs that benefit millions of Americans.
What’s at Stake?
If Trump is able to secure the necessary political backing, the ramifications of dismantling the Department of Education would be widespread. Key programs like student loans, civil rights enforcement, and federal education funding could be in jeopardy. Schools across the country, including those in Delaware, may face funding shortfalls or a reduction in services, leaving students without crucial resources.
For the students who rely on federal aid, both at the K-12 and college levels, the loss of the Department of Education’s programs could be devastating. Low-income families and those with disabilities may feel the brunt of these cuts the hardest, as they often depend on federal support to access a quality education.
Conclusion
While President-elect Trump’s promise to dismantle the Department of Education is an ambitious one, the reality is that achieving this goal is far from simple. Political obstacles, legal requirements, and the practicalities of transitioning education policy to the states make it an incredibly difficult task. Delaware, like other states, could feel the impact of these proposed changes, especially in areas like student loans and civil rights protections. However, whether Trump can garner the support he needs to make this vision a reality remains to be seen. For now, all we can do is wait and watch as the new administration begins to shape its education policy.
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