In a move that has ignited fierce debate across the country, President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order today directing the closure of the Department of Education – a historic attempt to dismantle federal oversight of schools in favor of state control.
This unprecedented decision comes after Trump’s administration slashed the department’s workforce by nearly 50%, setting the stage for this radical restructuring of American education. However, while the order signals Trump’s intent, Congress must still approve the actual dissolution of the department, making this a battle that’s far from over.
Why Is Trump Targeting the Education Department?
For years, conservatives have criticized federal involvement in education, arguing that states should control school curriculums, funding, and policies without interference from Washington. Trump has long campaigned on eliminating the department, calling it a bureaucratic waste that does more harm than good.
In a statement released earlier this morning, White House officials said the executive order is part of Trump’s commitment to “cutting government waste, eliminating overreach, and empowering local communities.”
While many conservatives are praising the move, arguing that education should be left to individual states, critics are sounding the alarm on the devastating consequences that could follow.
Potential Fallout of the Closure of Department of Education:
- Federal Education Funding: Billions of dollars in grants for low-income schools, special education programs, and minority students could be jeopardized.
- College Student Aid: Pell Grants, federal student loans, and oversight of for-profit colleges could be drastically altered or eliminated.
- Civil Rights Enforcement: Protections for students with disabilities and laws preventing discrimination in schools could lose federal backing.
Legal Hurdles – Can Trump Really Shut It Down?
Despite Trump’s executive order, Congress must approve any move to officially close the Education Department – a process that could take months or even years. Many legal experts believe that Trump’s attempt to shut it down may hit a wall in the Senate, where even some Republicans may balk at the political risk of dismantling an entire federal agency.
“This is a reckless move that will harm millions of students,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a longtime advocate for education funding. “We need to be investing in education, not tearing it apart.”
Bravo! Congress should support President Trump’s bold agenda by passing my bill, HR 899 to Abolish the Department of Education. We could also use recisions and the budget reconciliation process, which only require 51 votes in the Senate, to back him up.https://t.co/bjLxGdmPiH pic.twitter.com/zG7a4sBBw9
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 20, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump’s allies are celebrating the bold move, with many viewing it as a key step toward dismantling ‘big government’ and returning power to the states.
With Trump’s executive order signed, Congress will now have to debate and vote on the fate of the Department of Education – a showdown that could define the future of federal involvement in American schools.
While supporters believe this is the first step toward true education reform, opponents warn that millions of students could suffer if the move is approved.
What do you think? Should the Department of Education be abolished or reformed? Sound off in the comments!
