(Image source from: x.com/WhiteHouse)
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed a directive aimed at "eliminating" the Department of Education, a long-sought objective for many on the American right who advocate for state-controlled education systems, free from federal oversight. During a special ceremony held in the White House's East Room, where schoolchildren sat at desks, Trump beamed while showcasing the signed order. He stated that this action would "start the process of dismantling the federal Department of Education once and for all." Trump emphasized, "We are going to shut it down as quickly as possible. It is serving no useful purpose," and asserted the need to return control of education to state authorities. Established in 1979, the Department of Education cannot be dissolved without Congressional approval; however, Trump's order may effectively limit its funding and personnel.
This initiative reflects one of Trump's pledges made during his campaign and signifies one of the most significant measures in his ongoing efforts to reshape the government with assistance from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to "take all necessary actions to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and revert educational authority to the States." The proposal has faced significant criticism from Democrats and educators alike, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeling it a "tyrannical power grab" and "one of the most damaging actions taken by Donald Trump."
@POTUS is bringing education back to the STATES.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 20, 2025
“Everybody knows it’s right. We have to get our children educated. We’re not doing well with the world of education in this country and we haven’t in a long time.” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/pQHwczF4jv
Among those present at the signing were Republican leaders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Trump has framed this decision as essential for cost-saving and enhancing educational standards in the United States, arguing that the current system is falling short compared to those in Europe and China. Education has been a contentious issue in the nation's culture wars for many years, with Republicans frequently seeking to curtail federal control. Trump’s appointment of McMahon, formerly the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, was interpreted as an indication of the impending changes for the department. During the ceremony, he expressed hope that she would be "our last secretary of education." Following her recent swearing-in, McMahon indicated to reporters that Trump aims to return funds to states while eliminating Washington's administrative red tape. Trump has continuously pledged to abolish the department and transfer its responsibilities to state governments, similar to the ongoing shifts surrounding abortion rights.
The White House previously indicated that a scaled-back version of the education department would likely continue to operate to manage "essential functions," such as providing loans and certain grants for students from low-income backgrounds. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed journalists prior to the signing that "the Department of Education will be significantly smaller than it is currently." The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that has influenced many of Trump's "Project 2025" proposals, expressed approval of this development, proclaiming on X, "It's a beautiful day to dismantle the Department of Education." Historically, the federal government has played a limited part in the education sector, contributing only approximately 13 percent of the funding for primary and secondary education, while the majority comes from state and local resources. However, federal aid is critical for supporting schools that serve low-income students and those with special educational needs. Moreover, the federal government has played a vital role in upholding essential civil rights protections for students.
Trump, along with his billionaire advisor Musk and Musk's initiative for Government Efficiency (DOGE), has already made significant cuts to several governmental agencies, undermining them through the reduction of programs and staff. A similar effort to dismantle the US Agency for International Development faced a setback earlier this week when a federal judge ruled that the initiative likely contravened the US Constitution.
President Trump Participates in an Education Event and Signs an Executive Order https://t.co/elullPM0aS
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 20, 2025
