Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, fulfilling a long-standing conservative objective and a key campaign pledge.
During a White House event on Thursday, Trump criticized the department for its “massive failures” and pledged to transfer its funding and responsibilities to individual states.
“We will shut it down as soon as possible,” Trump stated, though the White House acknowledged that completely abolishing the agency would require congressional approval.
The decision, which has sparked widespread controversy, is expected to face legal challenges. Several organizations have already announced their intent to challenge the executive order in court, particularly regarding staff reductions and cuts to essential education programs.
Conservative Agenda vs. Legal Obstacles
Trump’s action marks a significant step in the decades-long Republican effort to eliminate the Department of Education, which was created in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter. Prominent conservative leaders, including former President Ronald Reagan, have long pushed for its dissolution.
The department plays a crucial role in administering student loans and funding programs that support underprivileged students. However, Trump and his supporters argue that it fosters bureaucratic inefficiencies and promotes political agendas.
At the signing ceremony, Trump praised Education Secretary Linda McMahon, suggesting that she might be the last to hold the position. “We’ll find something else for her to do,” he quipped.
Following the announcement, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana pledged to introduce legislation to formally abolish the department. However, with the Senate currently divided 53-47 in favor of Republicans, passing such a bill would require bipartisan support, making it a challenging prospect.
Read More: Trump Denies Musk’s Involvement in Pentagon’s Secret War Plans Against China
Budget Reductions and Future Consequences
Even if the department is not officially shut down, the administration is expected to significantly reduce its budget and workforce. Earlier this week, the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which oversees federal expenditures, announced that 2,100 employees would be placed on leave starting Friday.
The agency also manages federal student loans, which millions of Americans rely on for higher education. Experts warn that dismantling the department could disrupt student loan services and funding for special education and low-income students.
Backlash from Educators and Unions
The decision has been met with strong opposition from education advocates, with the American Federation of Teachers—one of the largest teachers’ unions—strongly condemning the move.
“No one likes bureaucracy, and everyone values efficiency, but don’t use a ‘war on woke’ as an excuse to target children in poverty and those with disabilities,” the union stated.
Trump has previously argued that federal involvement in education should be minimized, citing concerns over excessive interference in local schooling. However, the majority of U.S. schools are already operated by state and local governments, with federal contributions accounting for only about 13% of total education funding.
An Uncertain Future
The executive order does not provide specific details on which programs will be cut or transferred to other agencies but directs McMahon to take “all necessary steps” toward the department’s closure.
Analysts speculate that even if the department is not fully dismantled, its essential functions could be transferred to other government offices, such as the Department of the Treasury.
While the long-term effects remain uncertain, critics warn that weakening federal oversight could compromise education standards and financial aid, potentially impacting millions of students.
Despite criticism, Trump’s supporters argue that decentralizing education policy is a necessary reform. “This is our chance to deliver one final, significant public service,” McMahon wrote in a memo to staff, reaffirming her commitment to the administration’s plan.
