President Trump signs an executive order to dismantle the Education Department, shifting control to states and local communities, but faces congressional hurdles and strong opposition from Democrats.
In a bold move to reshape the federal education system, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. This action advances a key campaign promise to reduce federal influence over education and return control to states and local communities.
A Longtime Conservative Goal
For years, conservatives have criticized the Education Department as an unnecessary bureaucracy that wastes taxpayer dollars and pushes liberal ideology. Trump has echoed these sentiments, calling the agency bloated and inefficient. However, fully dismantling the department requires congressional approval, as it was established by Congress in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter.
While Trump’s order directs the education secretary to take “all necessary steps” to close the department, its implementation remains uncertain. Congressional Republicans have pledged to introduce legislation to eliminate the agency, but Democrats are strongly opposed, arguing that federal oversight is essential for maintaining educational equity across the nation.
Preserving Some Federal Functions
Despite the call for dismantling, Trump’s executive order specifies that certain “core necessities” will be preserved. These include:
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Title I funding for low-income schools
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Pell Grants for college students
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Funding for children with disabilities
The White House has not provided specific details on how the closure will be executed or which aspects of the department will be affected first.
Congressional Roadblocks and Political Reactions
The executive order sets the stage for a heated political battle in Washington. While some Republicans view it as a step toward decentralizing education, Democrats warn that eliminating the department could harm disadvantaged students and reduce federal accountability.
With education policies often tied to federal funding, states may face challenges managing programs previously overseen by the federal government. Opponents argue that this move could widen educational disparities between wealthier and poorer states.
The Future of U.S. Education Policy
While Trump’s executive order signals his administration’s commitment to limiting federal control, its success depends on Congress, where Republicans will need enough votes to pass legislation dismantling the department. Given the opposition, the fight over the future of the U.S. Education Department is far from over.
