Donald Trump has reignited a decades-old political battle by signing an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.
This move aligns with conservative calls for smaller federal government control, but it also raises concerns about the future of public education, funding, and equal access to resources.
Trump’s Executive Order Sparks a Major Education Shake-Up
On March 20, 2025, Trump signed an order directing officials to begin scaling back the Department of Education.
At the White House ceremony, he declared that education decisions should belong to states and local communities, not Washington bureaucrats.
As cameras rolled, young students sat at desks, playfully signing their own “executive orders,” turning a political decision into a photo-op.
Trump blamed the federal agency for failing American students.
He pointed to declining test scores in math and reading as evidence that government oversight had done more harm than good. “We’ve spent billions, and what do we have to show for it?” he asked the crowd.
Can Trump Actually Shut Down the Department of Education?
Trump’s executive order begins the process, but shutting down an entire federal agency requires congressional approval.
Right now, Trump lacks the votes needed in Congress to fully dismantle the department.
However, he can weaken its influence by cutting funding, eliminating positions, and shifting responsibilities to state governments.
Even if Congress blocks him, Trump can still shrink the department’s role through executive actions. That means fewer federal grants, fewer regulations, and less oversight in education policies nationwide.
What’s at Risk? Federal Programs That Could Disappear
If Trump succeeds, several key federal education programs could see major changes—or disappear entirely:
- Special Education Funding – Schools rely on federal grants to support students with disabilities. Without this funding, states would have to fill the gap.
- Financial Aid for Low-Income Students – Pell Grants and federal student loans help millions afford college. A weakened Education Department could lead to fewer resources for students in need.
- Civil Rights Protections – The department investigates cases of discrimination in schools, ensuring students are treated fairly. Without federal oversight, enforcement may vary from state to state.
- Support for Struggling Public Schools – Federal funding helps schools in low-income areas improve resources and teacher quality. If those funds disappear, some schools could suffer drastic budget cuts.
Why Critics Say This Move Could Harm Students
Education advocates warn that dismantling the Department of Education could widen educational inequality.
Without federal oversight, wealthier states could invest more in their schools, while poorer states might struggle to maintain basic resources.
Democratic lawmakers argue that Trump is playing politics with students’ futures.
She warned that without federal protections, vulnerable students could lose access to essential services.
Teachers’ unions and civil rights groups have also spoken out, saying that state-run education systems without federal guidelines could lead to major disparities in the quality of schooling.
What’s Next? The Battle Over Federal Education Control Continues
Trump says he won’t stop until the Department of Education is completely dismantled.
However, even if Congress blocks him, his administration can still roll back funding and programs through executive actions.
This move reignites a long-standing debate: Should education be left entirely to the states, or does the federal government play a crucial role in ensuring equal access to quality education?
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