President Donald Trump is taking a drastic step to reshape America’s education system. On Thursday, he will sign an executive order to begin shutting down the U.S. Department of Education.
This decision aligns with his long-standing belief that education should be controlled at the state level rather than by Washington bureaucrats.
However, there’s a catch—Trump cannot completely dismantle the department without approval from Congress.
While this executive order won’t immediately eliminate the agency, it will significantly weaken its power and influence.
What Exactly Does Trump’s Order Do?
This executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take three key actions:
- Start dismantling the Department of Education by scaling back its programs and workforce.
- Ensure schools continue running smoothly by shifting responsibilities to state and local governments.
- Block federal education funding from being used for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or gender-related policies.
McMahon has already begun cutting the department’s workforce, reducing it by nearly half as the first step toward phasing out the agency.
Can Trump Actually Shut Down the Department of Education?
Trump may have signed the order, but Congress holds the final say.
The Department of Education was created in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, and fully dismantling it would require legislative approval.
That means Trump would need at least seven Democratic senators to vote in favor of its closure—an unlikely scenario.
But Trump doesn’t need Congress to weaken the department.
By slashing its budget, limiting its operations, and cutting staff, his administration can effectively render it powerless, similar to how his first term saw major reductions in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
What’s at Risk If the Department Closes?
The Department of Education plays a crucial role in funding schools, supporting students with disabilities, and protecting civil rights in education.
If Trump succeeds in shutting it down, several key programs could be impacted:
- K-12 school funding—especially for low-income students.
- Special education programs that help students with disabilities.
- Federal student loan protections, which prevent borrowers from falling into unmanageable debt.
- Civil rights enforcement to ensure schools comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Critics warn that eliminating the department could lead to larger class sizes, reduced school funding, and weakened protections for students.
A Nation Divided: Reactions to Trump’s Plan
Trump’s executive order has sparked fierce debate across the political spectrum.
- Democratic lawmakers and state attorneys general have already filed lawsuits challenging Trump’s authority to close the department.
- Teachers’ unions and education advocates argue that shutting it down will harm students and leave schools underfunded.
- Conservative supporters praise the decision, saying it will eliminate federal overreach and allow states to craft education policies tailored to their needs.
What Happens Next?
Trump’s order is just the opening move in what promises to be a long political and legal battle.
The fate of the Department of Education now hinges on Congress, the courts, and the American public.
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