Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle U.S. Department of Education
The White House is preparing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, a move that aligns with President Donald Trump’s long-standing campaign promise to abolish the federal agency. According to multiple reports, the order would direct the Education Secretary to create a plan to eliminate the department, though full abolition would require congressional approval. The department, established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, oversees programs serving over 50 million students in public and private schools and provides financial aid to more than 12 million postsecondary students.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the U.S. education system, citing high spending and poor outcomes compared to other countries. In September 2023, he vowed to “close up” the department and return education responsibilities to states. The Republican Party has supported this initiative, with lawmakers like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introducing bills to eliminate the department. However, such legislation faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster.
Critics, including the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers, warn that dismantling the department would harm vulnerable students, cut job training programs, and reduce civil rights protections. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, expressed confidence that Trump would succeed where past efforts, including those under President Ronald Reagan, failed.
The potential executive order follows the release of the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, which show U.S. students still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels in reading and math. The White House blamed Democratic policies for the poor results, citing issues like resource strain from immigration and the influence of critical race theory (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
As the debate continues, the future of the Department of Education remains uncertain, with implications for millions of students and families across the country.
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