Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This move would mark one of the most radical overhauls of the American education system in history. The decision, which aligns with Trump’s long-standing position on reducing federal control over education, has sparked praise and backlash from policymakers, educators, and advocacy groups.
According to NBC News, White House officials are finalising the legal framework needed to eliminate the department, shifting education oversight to state governments. The plan would reallocate funding and responsibilities traditionally managed at the federal level to individual states, allowing them to set their own education policies without federal intervention.
CNN reported that Trump has long criticized the Department of Education, arguing that it oversteps its authority and contributes to bureaucratic inefficiencies in American schooling. His administration claims that eliminating the department would increase local control, giving states greater autonomy over curriculum standards, funding allocations, and school choice initiatives.
The announcement has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Conservatives and school-choice advocates have hailed the move as a win for states’ rights, arguing that it will reduce federal overreach and allow parents and local communities to make decisions tailored to their needs. Teachers’ unions, education experts, and Democratic lawmakers, however, warn that the decision could disrupt critical education programs, including Title I funding for low-income schools and federal grants for special education.
USA Today noted that Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who was appointed by Trump earlier this year, has been tasked with overseeing the transition if the executive order moves forward. McMahon has stated that federal education funding will be reassigned to individual states, ensuring that public schools do not face immediate budget shortfalls. However, opponents argue that dismantling the department could lead to inconsistencies in education standards nationwide.
The proposal is expected to face significant legal and political challenges, as Congress must approve funding reallocations and ensure compliance with federal education laws. While some Republican lawmakers support Trump’s decision, others have expressed concern about potential unintended consequences, including disparities in education quality between states.
With the 2024 presidential election still fresh, this move signals Trump’s broader efforts to reshape federal government agencies, reinforcing his administration’s stance on limiting Washington’s influence in favor of state-led governance. The fate of the Department of Education now rests on how lawmakers, courts, and the public respond to this unprecedented proposal.
