President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, initiating the process of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. This move, which aligns with a long-standing conservative goal, is framed as a way to return educational authority to states and communities. The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps toward closure, though the final elimination of the department requires congressional approval.
Key Details of the Executive Order
The executive order aims to transfer federal education oversight to states, asserting that the Department of Education has overstepped its role by promoting progressive curricula. Trump argued that this move will broaden educational opportunities and improve academic performance by giving local authorities more control. However, critics warn it could weaken civil rights protections and reduce funding for disadvantaged students.
The department’s workforce has already been significantly reduced under Trump’s administration. Since his presidency began, staffing levels have dropped from 4,133 employees to approximately 2,183. These reductions have disproportionately impacted offices like the Office for Civil Rights, which enforces anti-discrimination laws in schools.
Trump assured that critical functions such as federal student loans, Pell Grants, and special education funding will remain intact. However, the specifics of how these programs will be managed after the department’s dissolution remain unclear.
Political and Legal Challenges
The complete elimination of the Department of Education requires congressional approval because it was established by federal law in 1979. While Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Senate, achieving the 60 votes needed for major legislative changes remains uncertain. Some GOP lawmakers, like Senator Bill Cassidy, have expressed support for the initiative, but bipartisan agreement is unlikely.
Civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general have condemned the order as unconstitutional. They argue that only Congress has the authority to dissolve federal agencies. Legal challenges are expected, with opponents citing separation-of-powers concerns and a recent Supreme Court ruling that limits executive authority over federal agencies.
Public opinion is divided on this issue. A recent survey found that 58 percent of Americans oppose eliminating the department, fearing that states may abandon protections for vulnerable student populations such as those with disabilities or from low-income families. Critics have labeled the move as political theater that undermines essential federal support for education.
Impact on Students and Schools
The Department of Education currently administers $1.69 trillion in student debt and oversees programs like Title I funding for underfunded schools. Advocates worry that transferring these responsibilities to states could lead to weakened enforcement of anti-discrimination policies and reduced resources for marginalized groups.
Observers note that while the immediate effects of the executive order are limited, it accelerates efforts to weaken the department’s influence. The ultimate goal appears to be rendering it ineffective even if formal dissolution is delayed or blocked by Congress.
Reactions and Next Steps
Conservative groups and organizations like Moms for Liberty have praised the move as a rejection of federal overreach in education policy. Trump allies, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, attended the signing ceremony in support of this initiative.
On the other hand, Democrats and educators have strongly condemned the decision. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it one of Trump’s most harmful actions during his presidency, while NAACP President Derrick Johnson described it as a threat to democracy and educational equity.
Legal battles are already underway as Democratic-led states challenge the layoffs and restructuring efforts tied to this initiative. Nearly two dozen attorneys general have filed lawsuits arguing that these actions violate constitutional protections and harm vulnerable student populations.
As Trump prepares for reelection in 2024, this executive order solidifies his appeal among conservative voters who favor limited government intervention in education. However, it risks alienating moderates concerned about equity and access to quality education.
In summary, Trump’s executive order represents a symbolic victory for conservative education reformers but faces significant legal and legislative obstacles. Its success depends on whether Republicans can rally enough congressional support while navigating mounting legal challenges from opponents committed to preserving federal oversight in education policy.
