In a bold and controversial move, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, which has sparked an uproar in Hawaii and beyond. Educators, policymakers, and students are voicing their alarm over the potential repercussions of this decision, which threatens essential programs that support low-income students, civil rights initiatives, and student loans.
On March 20, 2025, Trump made headlines by announcing his intent to disband the Department of Education, a move long anticipated by many in the political sphere, including Hawaii State Teachers Association Vice President Logan Okita. This step aligns with Trump’s campaign platform but raises serious concerns about the implications for educational funding and support in states like Hawaii, which heavily rely on federal assistance to aid vulnerable student populations.
According to Okita, Hawaii's education system receives approximately 11% of its budget from federal sources. In fiscal year 2024, the state was granted over $322 million in federal aid. These funds are critical for programs such as Title I, which supports low-income schools, Special Education, and Career and Technical Education. Without these programs, Okita warns that many students, especially those from military families who require additional assistance, would suffer significantly.
U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono condemned the executive order, labeling it a direct attack on America’s educational structure. “Donald Trump will continue his focus on crippling our government and sow chaos in schools and communities across the country by eliminating crucial programs that our children rely on,” Hirono stated emphatically. Her sentiments echo those of many Democratic leaders, including U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, who argued that Trump would be denying Hawaii’s students the quality education they deserve.
Adding to the complexities, Trump's administration recently shifted the oversight of student loans to the Small Business Administration. Speaking from the Oval Office on March 21, 2025, Trump explained, “I don't think education should be handling the loans... I think it will be brought into small business,” while emphasizing a broader goal of reducing federal oversight.
Shaan Patel, founder of Prep Expert, expressed concerns regarding the potential impacts of these changes. “The executive order would eliminate federal oversight of schools and universities, which could have significant repercussions on student loans, financial aid, and compliance with national education standards,” Patel said. He pointed out that the Department of Education is responsible for managing over $1.6 trillion in student loans, raising questions about the stability of the program and its future administration.
Further complicating matters, Trump has signed orders that not only aim to dismantle the Department of Education but also prohibit federal education funds from being used to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This shift, Patel explained, means that states would need to adapt their educational policies to align with local demographics while recognizing that many advocacy groups believe national standards are necessary for a baseline quality of education.
The ramifications of this move are critical for colleges reliant on federal funding. Many institutions use these funds to support tuition, superior programs, and graduate assistantships, creating considerable uncertainty without a clear transition plan. The American Federation of Teachers has also stepped into the fray, announcing a lawsuit against the Trump administration due to disruptions caused by the reorganization, which they note complicates educators' and borrowers' lives.
Moreover, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz voiced strong opposition, stating, “Schools across the country rely on federal dollars but Donald Trump would rather gut their funding and funnel it into the pockets of billionaires.” Schatz's statement captured the sentiments of many who fear that these actions might funnel educational resources into wealthier segments of society instead of supporting disadvantaged students.
In Connecticut, the implications of the executive order are especially alarming. The state has created a dedicated student loan ombudsman to assist borrowers and ensure compliance with federal standards. However, there are concerns about whether this initiative and similar measures in other states can effectively replicate or replace the support previously provided by the Department of Education.
Student loan borrowers across the nation are facing confusion and uncertainty due to the ongoing shifts in federal policy. According to the Education Data Initiative, nearly 43 million federal student loan borrowers collectively owe around $1.62 trillion. Advocates are urging borrowers to remain proactive, ensuring they make timely payments and explore all available funding sources.
As Hawaii’s state education leaders navigate this unexpected turbulence, Superintendent Keith Hayashi emphasized the urgent need for continued advocacy. “We will continue to advocate for the resources and protections our students and educators rely on,” Hayashi stated. He reinforced that the priority remains to deliver high-quality education to every student, given the shifting federal landscape.
While Trump’s executive actions have set off alarm bells, the true effects of dismantling the Department of Education will depend on forthcoming legislative actions. Crucially, only Congress holds the authority to fully abolish the DOE, making it necessary for future federal representatives to carefully consider any proposed changes to funding and resources that are vital to the educational system. The repercussions of this decision extend beyond immediate funding concerns; they challenge the very ethos of educational equality and access in the United States.
As debates continue, the focus remains on preserving the vital programs that exist to support all students—especially those in underserved communities. In overcoming these challenges, educators, policymakers, and communities are called to action to ensure that educational equity remains a priority in turbulent times.
