Trump seeks to eliminate the Department of Education using executive power

In the United States, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, with an ambitious plan to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. This executive move reflects a longstanding goal among certain conservative circles aiming to transfer educational control from the federal government to individual states. The order, however, has raised significant legal and practical challenges, as the Department was established by an act of Congress and can only be dismantled through congressional approval, which appears unlikely given the current political landscape. Consequently, opponents of the order outline that many education programs, affecting millions, rely heavily on federal funding and oversight. Trump's order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to manage the closure, but it leaves numerous aspects shrouded in ambiguity, failing to detail how various functions and funding streams would transition to state control. Alarmed by the potential impact of the shutdown—including implications for crucial programs such as Pell Grants and Title I funding for low-income students—education advocates and union leaders have vowed legal challenges to prevent the dismantling of the Department. The order could devastate federal support for states, especially regarding assistance for high-poverty K-12 schools and students with disabilities. As anticipated, immediate backlash ensued from both sides of the political aisle. Democratic leaders and several unions emphasized the need for a functioning federal education infrastructure, asserting that parents, teachers, and local officials should not bear the burden of switching educational frameworks without adequate preparation and funding. Given the tumultuous environment within federal education initiatives, many stakeholders express severe concerns regarding the viability and effectiveness of local education systems without the guidance and resources previously provided at the federal level. Furthermore, this move also corresponds with broader criticisms of the Trump administration’s previous actions related to education, including significant staffing cuts at the Department. Advocates for equitable student access have noted that disruptions to the income-driven repayment systems and the mismanagement of available resources underscore a growing crisis in student loan management. The impacts of these changes could drastically alter educational opportunities for numerous Americans, leaving many to fear how educational reforms may further exacerbate existing inequalities. With such a monumental shift anticipated, any irresponsible handling of the transition could have long-lasting ramifications for students, families, and educational institutions across the nation.