Trump’s Executive Order to Dismantle Education Department
President Trump is preparing to issue an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to start dismantling the Education Department. The draft order highlights the department’s alleged failures and aims to return education to the states. However, completely abolishing the department requires Congressional approval, needing 60 votes in the Senate.
Despite the anticipation, Trump didn’t sign this order on its expected day. A White House insider revealed it was on the afternoon schedule, but later news outlets confirmed it wouldn’t happen that day.
This plan predates Trump’s inauguration. The draft order acknowledges that the president can’t eliminate the department without Congressional intervention. McMahon, aware of the challenges, is championing the message that this move will empower parents to ensure excellent education for their children.
The draft order also addresses issues like:
- School choice
- Elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
These topics have recently been targeted by Trump with executive actions.
Political Challenges and Republican Support
Steering through these political currents is challenging, considering the obstacles President Trump and Linda McMahon face in their quest to dissolve the Department of Education. With a Republican majority in the Senate, it might seem straightforward, but securing those 60 crucial votes could be tricky.
Not all Republicans fully support the idea. The prospect of jeopardizing key programs for children with disabilities and those from low-income families makes some lawmakers uneasy about eliminating the Education Department.
McMahon knows she’s facing significant opposition. Yet, she presses forward, echoing Trump’s belief that the current system is inefficient and bureaucratic. She’s committed to advocating for state-level control, placing trust directly into parents’ hands.
"We'd like to do this right," McMahon said during her confirmation hearing. "We'd like to make sure that we're presenting a plan that I think our senators could get on board with … that certainly does require congressional action."
Trump’s supporters see this as an opportunity to revitalize the education landscape—where decisions are locally driven rather than controlled by federal red tape. As the nation watches, Trump’s ability to rally Congress will be tested.
Potential Consequences and Concerns
Let’s consider the potential consequences of dismantling the Education Department, especially for students in low-income areas and those with disabilities.
Without the agency, programs like Title I, which directs resources to schools in impoverished areas, might struggle. The crucial question is, without federal oversight, will states continue supporting these vital programs?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is another important consideration. Secretary McMahon envisions a more “efficient” operation, where responsibilities might be redistributed to other federal agencies. But where will accountability lie if federal programs are scattered across various departments?
The executive draft order also targets diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Without the Education Department’s guidance, the mandate to maintain these essential initiatives may weaken, becoming a patchwork led by individual states.
Advocates argue the shift could reinvigorate local communities, giving parents a stronger voice. However, we shouldn’t ignore the question: does greater local control mean all students get a fair chance, or do we risk worsening inequalities?
McMahon and Trump are charging into revolutionary territory. Their approach suggests a belief that by reducing federal oversight, education in America can be streamlined, freed from ineffective bureaucracy. It’s a bold vision that promises change and could reshape the educational landscape in unexpected ways.
As the situation unfolds, only time will reveal whether this ambitious move leads to a golden era of improvement for our schools and students.
- Wall Street Journal. Trump Administration Prepares to Close Education Department. February 2025.
- Washington Post. White House Drafts Order to Dismantle Education Department. February 2025.
- ABC News. Trump Expected to Sign Executive Order on Education Department. March 2025.
- NPR. Trump Readies Executive Action to Close Education Department. March 2025.
- Education Data Initiative. US Education Spending Statistics. 2024.