Trump Makes Huge Move Against the Department of Education

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at largely dismantling the US Department of Education.

Key Takeaways

Trump signed an executive order calling for the Education Secretary to largely dismantle the Department of Education, returning control to states and local communities.
Some functions like student loans and Pell Grants will remain in place, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The full abolition of the department would require congressional approval and 60 Senate votes.

Executive Order Details

President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to facilitate the dismantling of the Department of Education. This order aims to return education authority to states and local communities, a long-standing conservative goal. “Closing the Department of Education would provide children and their families the opportunity to escape a system that is failing them,” Trump’s order stated.

Trump called for the department to close “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.” Notably, fully abolishing the department would require congressional approval and the support of 60 Senate votes. The executive action is part of a broader goal to eliminate specific federally-funded educational topics.

Despite Trump calling for the department’s closure, the administration has expressed support for keeping certain elements such as loans and Pell Grants. An official also reportedly said other activities such as support for Title I funding and students with disabilities will remain. “The Department of Education will be much smaller than it is today,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said while speaking with reporters. “This president is finally taking much-needed action to return education to where it belongs — and that’s to educators closest to students in their classrooms.”

President Trump is improving education outcomes by empowering parents, states, and communities. 🇺🇸

“We’re going to be returning education very simply BACK TO THE STATES where it belongs.” – @POTUS pic.twitter.com/PpBx0uNpNe

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 20, 2025

Conservative Goals

The Department of Education, established in 1979, has faced criticism from conservatives who argue that it is an unnecessary bureaucracy. Critics argue it has failed in its purpose of promoting educational excellence. Trump’s executive order aligns with these viewpoints, aiming to eliminate alleged waste and direct federal funds efficiently.

Critics argue that the department has been influenced by special interests and leftist agendas, necessitating the reallocation of control back to more localized entities. In recent years, the department’s budget reached $268 billion, accounting for about 4% of federal spending.

While the executive order represents a major effort towards localizing education, it has been met with criticism from labor unions and civil rights groups who view it as an unconstitutional move that will hurt students. As the proposal proceeds, public opinion indicates a divided nation. However, the Trump administration continues to push forward with its pursuit of a more decentralized educational framework.