In a significant move aimed at reshaping the American education system, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the closure of the Department of Education. This bold move aligns with long-standing Republican ambitions to transfer educational authority to individual states and reduce federal involvement in schools. The signing ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House, where Trump, surrounded by schoolchildren, proudly displayed the signed order. He described the decision as a major step in returning educational control to local governments. “We’re going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It’s doing us no good,” Trump declared during the event. He stressed that states should have the power to run their own education systems without interference from federal authorities.
The Department of Education, established in 1979, has played a vital role in funding and overseeing educational initiatives across the country. However, Trump’s executive order reflects his campaign pledge to reduce what he calls “unnecessary bureaucracy” and put educational decisions back in the hands of states and local communities. While the order itself cannot immediately eliminate the Department of Education without Congress' approval, it grants authority to Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate the process. This includes reducing staff, scaling back programs, and shifting responsibilities to state-level authorities.
McMahon, formerly the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, was appointed to lead the Education Department earlier this year. At the White House event, Trump praised her efforts, stating, “Hopefully, she will be our last secretary of education.” McMahon emphasized that the objective was to redirect funding directly to states to streamline resources and eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies. Earlier this month, she had already implemented plans to reduce staff at the department by 50 percent, reinforcing Trump’s vision for a leaner federal government. The move has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. Democratic leaders and educators strongly condemned the decision, warning of potential risks to vulnerable students. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the order a "tyrannical power grab" and one of the most destructive steps Trump has taken. The controversy reflects a broader ideological divide. While conservative policymakers, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, applauded the move as a victory for states’ rights, critics argue that federal oversight plays a critical role in ensuring equal access to education.
Federal funding, which accounts for roughly 13 percent of total primary and secondary school funding, is especially important for low-income schools and special education programs. Critics worry that dismantling the department could put these essential services at risk. Adding to the controversy is the involvement of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been actively advising the Trump administration on government restructuring through his Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. Musk’s influence has been pivotal in shaping several recent policy shifts, including the downsizing of multiple federal agencies. The closure of the Department of Education follows broader efforts by Trump and Musk to reduce federal influence by scaling back various government bodies. Earlier this week, a similar attempt to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) was blocked by a federal judge, who cited concerns about constitutional violations.
Trump’s supporters argue that redirecting education funds to states will reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance local accountability. Critics, however, warn that the absence of federal oversight could widen educational disparities and weaken safeguards for marginalized students. Despite the fierce debate, the Trump administration insists that some critical functions will continue to operate at the federal level, including student loan management and grants for low-income students. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that while the Department of Education will shrink significantly, core services vital to students will be preserved. The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think-tank that has strongly supported Trump’s government reforms, hailed the decision. In a social media post, they called the move “a beautiful day to dismantle the Department of Education.”
As the executive order takes effect, education authorities across the nation are preparing for significant changes. While some state governments have welcomed the increased control, others remain concerned about managing the financial burden of education services without substantial federal support. With education reform remaining a deeply divisive issue in the United States, Trump’s decision to dismantle the Department of Education marks a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape. The coming months will reveal how states adapt to their new educational responsibilities and whether the transition achieves its intended goals of cost efficiency and improved academic performance.
