Trump moves to dismantle Department of Education, sparking legal and political showdown

By bellecarter // 2025-03-24

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education (ED), aiming to reduce its size, transfer authority to states and other federal agencies and fulfill a long-standing conservative goal of shrinking federal involvement in education.
Critics warn the move could disrupt billions in federal funding for schools, student aid and programs like Title I, Pell Grants and support for students with disabilities, potentially harming vulnerable populations and underfunded districts.
While the order initiates staff reductions and restructuring, fully abolishing ED requires congressional approval, which faces strong Democratic opposition. Education advocates and Democratic leaders have vowed to challenge the order in court.
A majority of Americans (64 percent) oppose eliminating the ED, according to a recent poll. The move has sparked a broader debate over the federal government's role in education, with supporters arguing for state-level control and opponents warning of increased inequality in funding and access.
The executive order sets the stage for a contentious legal and political battle over the future of federal education policy, with its ultimate impact dependent on congressional action, court rulings and public response.

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, March 20, to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education (ED), a move that could reshape the federal government's role in education policy and funding. The order signed at a ceremony attended by Republican governors, attorneys general and lawmakers does not immediately abolish the department. However, it sets the stage for staff reductions and the transfer of its authority to state governments and other federal agencies. (Related: Trump moves to dismantle Department of Education: A bold step toward state control of schools.) While Trump framed the action as a long-overdue return of power to the states, critics warn it could disrupt billions in funding for schools and student aid programs, setting up a legal and political battle over the future of education in America. The push to eliminate ED has been a cornerstone of conservative policy for decades. Established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, the department was created to consolidate federal education programs and ensure equal access to education. However, critics, particularly on the right, have long argued that the department represents federal overreach and inefficiency. Trump's executive order aligns with his campaign promise to shrink the federal government and return power to the states. "Today we take a very historic action that was 45 years in the making," Trump said at the signing ceremony. "We're going to be returning education, very simply, back to the states where it belongs… Probably the cost will be half, and the education will be maybe many, many times better." The president's remarks echoed his broader critique of ED, which he has repeatedly called inefficient and ideologically biased. The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin the process of dismantling the department while preserving certain programs, such as Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell Grants and resources for students with disabilities. McMahon, who has signaled her support for Trump’s agenda, will oversee the reduction of the department’s workforce by nearly half. While the executive order marks a significant step toward Trump’s goal, fully abolishing ED would require congressional approval. The department was created by an act of Congress, and its elimination would need to pass both the House and Senate, a tall order given Democratic opposition. Democratic leaders and education advocacy groups have already vowed to challenge the order in court. "This is an attack on public education and the millions of students who rely on federal support," said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. "We will fight this every step of the way." Public opinion also appears to be against the move. A recent PBS News/NPR/Marist poll found that 64 percent of Americans oppose eliminating the ED, while only 37 percent support it. The poll, conducted in late February, has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. Critics argue that dismantling ED could have far-reaching consequences. The department oversees $1.6 trillion in federal student loans and distributes billions in funding for programs like school meals, support for homeless students, and civil rights enforcement. These programs account for about 14 percent of public school budgets, often serving vulnerable students in underfunded districts.

What's next for education policy?

The executive order sets the stage for a broader debate over the federal government's role in education. Supporters of the move, including several Republican governors in attendance, argue that states are better equipped to address the needs of their students. "Education is a local issue, and it should be handled by those who know their communities best," said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. However, opponents warn that devolving authority to the states could exacerbate inequalities in education funding and access. "Without federal oversight, we risk leaving behind the students who need help the most," said Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), a longtime advocate for public education. As the legal and political battles unfold, the future of the ED remains uncertain. For now, the executive order represents a bold and controversial step toward reshaping the federal government’s role in education. Watch the video below that talks about the Trump administration's move to dismantle ED. This video is from the Neroke-5 channel on Brighteon.com.

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What's next for education policy?

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