President Donald Trump has taken significant steps toward reshaping the structure of federal government agencies. Among his many initiatives, one of the most controversial is his push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This effort is part of his broader vision to reduce federal involvement in education and return power to states and local governments. Let’s look at the steps Trump has initiated to eliminate the Department of Education and what it could mean for the future of American education.
1. Trump’s Vision for Education Reform
During his first presidency, Donald Trump made education a focal point of his political agenda. One of his key goals was to reduce federal control over schools, arguing that local and state authorities are better equipped to make decisions about education. He proposed completely eliminating the Department of Education, claiming it was an “inefficient bureaucracy” that only “created more problems than it solved.”
Trump’s vision for education reform is rooted in the belief that states should have more power to decide how education is delivered and that the federal government should have minimal involvement in local education systems, even though the Department of Education does not mandate things like book choices or curricula. Getting rid of the Department of Education would reduce or eliminate federal school funding programs.
2. Appointments of Key Figures to Support the Plan
To make his vision a reality, Trump appointed individuals to key positions within the Department of Education who share his goals of limiting federal influence in education. One of the most significant (and ridiculous) appointments was Betsy DeVos, a billionaire with no background in education who promoted the privatization of public schools through vouchers, called for deep cuts to federal funding, rolled back protections for vulnerable children, and helped to protect the for-profit college industry that has defrauded countless students.
During his second presidential term, Trump has chosen Linda McMahon, a business executive and former professional wrestling promoter with absolutely zero experience or training in the education field. On March 3, 2025, she said, “My vision is aligned with the President’s: to send education back to the states and empower all parents to choose an excellent education for their children.” She agrees that the Department of Education that she was just elected to be in charge of should be eliminated, despite the need for Congress to vote for it.
3. Executive Orders and Proposals to Reduce the Department’s Reach
Trump initiated several executive orders to curb the Department of Education’s power and influence. These orders included directives to “reduce federal oversight” in standardized testing, college admissions, and financial aid programs.
One of Trump’s major proposals was to redirect federal education funds to states, giving them more flexibility in allocating educational resources. This would weaken the Department of Education’s role in overseeing federal grants and loans for higher education.
Additionally, Trump proposed eliminating various federal programs administered by the Department of Education, arguing that they were inefficient and redundant. He recommended redirecting funding to programs at the state and local levels that could be more effective in addressing students’ needs.
4. Legislative Efforts to Abolish the Department of Education
While executive orders and administrative actions allowed Trump to take steps toward reducing the Department’s scope, the complete elimination of the Department of Education requires congressional approval. This is a significant hurdle, as any proposal to abolish or drastically reduce the department would face considerable opposition from lawmakers who believe in the importance of federal involvement in education.
Trump and his allies in Congress have pushed for legislation to eliminate the Department of Education or, at the very least, drastically reduce its budget and scope. However, Democrats and education advocates have resisted such proposals, arguing that federal oversight is necessary to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to a quality education.
5. Impact on Federal Education Programs
One of the most immediate concerns regarding Trump’s push to dismantle the Department of Education is the potential impact on federal education programs. The Department of Education administers key programs like Pell Grants, federal student loans, and Title I funding for disadvantaged schools. If the department were abolished, these programs would need to be transferred to other federal agencies or could be eliminated altogether.
Critics of the plan warn that dismantling the Department of Education could disrupt the administration of financial aid and student loans. Without a central federal body to oversee these programs, students and families could face challenges accessing necessary financial resources for higher education.
The Department of Education is also critical in enforcing school civil rights protections. The department’s Office for Civil Rights ensures that students are not discriminated against based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. Eliminating the department could undermine these protections, leaving vulnerable students without support and advocacy.
6. The Political Road Ahead
Although Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education have garnered significant attention, the future of these proposals remains uncertain. Eliminating the Department of Education requires congressional approval, which may be difficult to achieve given the current political landscape. Many lawmakers view the department’s role in ensuring access to education and promoting civil rights as essential, making the complete abolition of the department unlikely.
Moreover, public opinion on the matter is divided. While some Americans support Trump’s vision of returning education control to the states, others are concerned about the potential consequences of reducing federal oversight in education.
7. What Happens Next?
Trump’s steps to dismantle the Department of Education remain in progress. His administration’s efforts to cut funding, reduce federal oversight, and shift responsibilities to the state and local levels will continue to influence debates around education policy.
It is important to note that significant challenges lie ahead in eliminating the Department of Education. Whether through legislative action or continued administrative efforts, the future of the Department of Education will be shaped by the ongoing political discourse around federal involvement in education.
Conclusion
President Donald Trump’s initiative to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is a bold step in his broader agenda to reduce the size of the federal government and return more control to local and state authorities. While his actions have already led to changes in federal education policy, the complete removal of the department would require further political and legislative support. The potential consequences of such a move, especially for students and schools reliant on federal programs, remain a topic of ongoing debate.
Find out why we need the Department of Education!