In a notable move to fulfill a longstanding pledge, President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Thursday aimed at dissolving the U.S. Department of Education, according to details shared by a White House insider. The planned shutdown aligns with Trump’s campaign promise and mirrors the conservative critique that the department is excessive and propagates liberal ideologies. Although the executive order calls for the closure of the department, such an action ultimately requires legislative intervention by Congress, which originally established the department in 1979.
The executive order will instruct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate processes to dismantle the department and transfer educational authority back to the states. However, it also emphasizes the need to maintain the continuous provision of services, programs, and benefits essential to Americans. Already, the Republican administration has been downsizing the department, drastically cutting its workforce as well as the budget for crucial offices, including the Office for Civil Rights and the Institute of Education Sciences.
Critics argue that shutting down the Education Department could exacerbate inequalities within the U.S. education system. The National Parents Union stated that this action would hinder many children from receiving equitable educational opportunities, urging resistance against the move. Meanwhile, clarity on which departmental responsibilities might be redistributed or terminated remains elusive. During her confirmation, McMahon assured the retention of fundamental programs like Title I funding for low-income schools and Pell grants for disadvantaged college students, with the objective of enhancing the department’s functionality.
Each year, the department channels substantial financial resources to educational institutions and manages an extensive portfolio of federal student loans amounting to $1.6 trillion. It plays a pivotal role in financial aid administration and civil rights enforcement, with federal funding constituting about 14% of public school budgets. These funds enable vital programs that support marginalized students, including the McKinney-Vento program for homeless students.
For decades, the idea of abolishing the Department of Education has resonated within Republican circles, with arguments centering on federal overreach and fiscal irresponsibility. Increased momentum has recently been observed as conservative parental groups seek greater local control over educational decisions. Despite this, the viability and acceptance of such a measure remain contested, even among Trump’s allies, who acknowledge the necessity of Congressional action for closure. A prior legislative attempt in 2023 to shut down the department was thwarted, with bipartisan resistance.
During her tenure, former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made attempts to significantly curtail the department’s budget, proposing to consolidate K-12 funding into block grants to enhance state control over expenditure. Nonetheless, this proposal encountered resistance, including from some Republican lawmakers, and was ultimately rejected.
In summary, while the executive order represents a step toward Trump’s vision of restructuring federal influence over education, the complexities and challenges associated with shutting down the Department of Education involve significant legal and political considerations that extend beyond presidential authority alone.
