WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to make waves with an executive order aimed at shutting down the U.S. Department of Education. This announcement, scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, represents a significant move in fulfilling a longstanding campaign promise while also setting the stage for potential legal and political turmoil.
According to a White House official speaking on the condition of anonymity, this initiative is part of an effort to return educational authority back to the states—a notion that has resonated with Trump’s Republican allies. The Department of Education, created in 1979, oversees billions in federal funding for schools, and its dismantling has been a goal for conservatives who argue that education grants can be better managed at the state level.
Trump has consistently labeled the Department of Education as wasteful and has accused it of being controlled by what he calls “radicals, zealots, and Marxists.” He insists that the agency is overreaching in its regulations and influences, infringed upon parental and local control of education. Echoing this sentiment, Harrison Fields, a White House deputy press secretary, stated, “The executive order will empower parents, states and communities to take control and improve outcomes for all students.”
The proposed order instructs Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary measures to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and ensure an uninterrupted delivery of essential services and programs. This is a notable shift, as the department handles not just funding but also a range of programs that support vulnerable students. Federal funding accounts for about 14% of public school budgets, providing critical financial support for programs like Title I for low-income schools and the McKinney-Vento program for homeless students.
Despite Trumps's push, finalizing this dismantling may prove challenging without Congressional approval, a hurdle made evident during discussions in 2023 when 60 Republicans joined Democrats to oppose an amendment aimed at closing the agency. Such resistance indicates that even within the party, there are doubts regarding the popularity and feasibility of abolishing the Department of Education.
During his first term, former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos attempted significant cuts to the department’s budget, proposing that all K-12 funding be bundled into block grants, but this was met with intense opposition, underscoring a lack of consensus on education reform among Republicans as well.
Trump’s latest move could evoke fierce reactions from defenders of the department, who argue that its existence is essential for maintaining education standards across the country. These critics point to the potential ramifications on federal oversight of civil rights in education. The Department of Education plays a critical role in enforcing civil rights policies, an aspect that may be jeopardized if the department were to be closed.
In previous statements, Trump has contended that public school standards would improve if control were reverted to localities. However, opponents of the shutdown warn that this may lead to a patchwork of standards with the possibility of exacerbating inequality among states. Critics also accuse the administration of harboring a hidden agenda favoring for-profit education over the current model.
As the announcement looms, it is clear that the proposed closure of the Department of Education will ignite debates around educational quality, equity, and the role of federal oversight. Proponents of the move emphasize the need to enhance local control, while comprehensive discussions will likely delve into the implications of such a drastic change in education policy.
With Trump’s track record and declarations, this order is primed to shape not only the future of federal education involvement but also to redefine the educational landscape in the United States if executed. The anticipated responses from educators, governors, and community leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping what lies ahead in this contentious political climate.
As Trump prepares to unveil this significant executive order, many are left to ponder the resulting challenges that such a drastic policy shift may induce, not only in Congress but also within the broader public discourse on education in America.
