In Washington, over two decades ago, Republican President George W. Bush played a pivotal role in expanding the Education Department’s influence by signing a significant law at a high school in Ohio. However, on a recent Thursday, his fellow Republican, President Donald Trump, executed a contrasting move by signing an executive order aimed at dismantling the department.
For years, talk of eliminating the Education Department was a popular rhetoric among right-wing activists. Although many Republicans expressed support, they continued funding it. Now, emboldened by his agenda of overhauling the federal government, Trump has ignored the reservations that stalled his predecessors.
This executive order follows a series of bold decisions, including enlisting billionaire Elon Musk for a rapid downsizing of the federal bureaucracy and reviewing key climate change science. The closure of the Education Department has always been a priority for Trump, a promise he reiterated during his campaign, drawing enthusiastic support from groups like Moms for Liberty.
While Trump had long broadcasted his intentions, the executive order still surprised many observers, including Margaret Spellings, who served as education secretary under Bush. Spellings noted that for years, the idea of eliminating the department was used to signal Republican beliefs while continuing to fund it, often benefiting schools in their districts. As recently as 2023, a majority of House Republicans opposed shutting down the department.
Trump, unperturbed, remarked from the White House: “Many people have wanted to do this for decades, and no president managed to do it. I’m doing it.” He held up the executive order for photos alongside Education Secretary Linda McMahon, jesting about her next role once the department ceases to exist.
As expected, the order faces legal battles, and legislators from both parties emphasize that closing the department requires congressional approval. Nonetheless, Trump has started reducing the department’s size, planning to cut its staff by half through the Department of Government Efficiency.
The debate over the department’s existence began soon after its creation, with opposition from President Ronald Reagan due to its integration efforts. Public support waned by the end of Reagan’s first term. Under Bush, the department played a central role in enforcing policies for educational accountability. The resurgence of calls to dismantle it came with the Tea Party, which viewed it as an exemplar of unnecessary government interference.
In recent years, dissatisfaction intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as parents argued that government influence on schooling was unwarranted. Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, highlighted the department’s empowerment of teacher unions, which became more apparent to parents during remote learning.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who had initially supported the department’s creation, now supports Trump’s move, criticizing the department for failing its original goals. Gingrich argues that educational outcomes and spending have not improved over the years.
Despite the discussions on federal control, current laws prevent the federal government from dictating educational content. Typically, state and local authorities oversee school operations. Ironically, Trump aims to strengthen federal control in schools, enforcing compliance with his civil rights interpretations.
Early actions of his administration included cutting federal funding to universities for their handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The executive order also suggests withdrawing funding from schools promoting “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” a term encompassing a broad range of issues, from celebrating Black achievements to supporting transgender athletes.
Democratic strategists warn that Trump’s actions could alienate voters. Polls indicate that a majority oppose closing the department, suggesting that such moves may ultimately be detrimental for Republicans. Democratic pollster John Anzalone suggests that education is a valued priority for voters, providing Democrats with an opportunity to align with public preferences.
Notably, states like Mississippi, South Dakota, Montana, Alaska, Arkansas, and North Carolina, which largely supported Trump, heavily rely on federal educational funds, making them particularly vulnerable to funding disruptions.
Spellings reflects on the bipartisan agreement that education is fundamental to achieving the American dream, with federal support ensuring equal opportunities. She posits that the current climate will test whether this belief still holds true.
