Trump orders dismantling of U.S. Department of Education in controversial executive move

Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to transfer educational authority back to states and local communities.

A divided nation over federal education power

The executive order has elicited a spectrum of reactions, highlighting the nation's political divisions. Supporters argue that reducing federal oversight could empower local entities to tailor educational policies to their communities' specific needs, believing that decentralization may lead to more responsive and effective educational systems.

Among those supporting the move is the Cato Institute, a Washington D.C.- based libertarian think tank that advocates for limited government and free markets. Thomas Berry, Director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at Cato, said:

“The President takes an oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” That oath includes a duty not to enforce statutes that the President has determined in good faith to violate the Constitution. And the vast majority of functions carried out by the Department of Education are not authorized by the Constitution.

“That is because the Constitution grants the federal government only limited, enumerated powers, none of which encompass education policy. The President should make a clear case for why his oath to defend the Constitution requires today’s action. If he does so, this action could be an important step toward restoring the federal government to its proper role.”

On the other side, organizations focused on equity and access in public education have voiced strong opposition. The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), a nonprofit membership association, works to advocate for the educational success of children and to increase family engagement in schools.

Yvonne Johnson, President of the National PTA, stated:

The U.S. Department of Education was created to ensure equal access to education for all Americans—regardless of zip code, ability, race or economic circumstance. Programs and funding streams administered by the department—including disbursement of Title I funding, grants through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Office of Civil Rights—serve students, families and schools that need it most. Dismantling and diminishing the capacity of the department breaks America's promise of education for all children and is a severe threat to ensuring every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential.

"Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education isn't about government efficiency, it's about abandoning our collective responsibility to our children at a time when educational challenges require more, not fewer, resources. We all agree that we need to improve our nation's educational system. But to effectively meet the needs of our students, we must all work together to create lasting solutions, rather than weakening the educational safeguards designed to protect and support all children.”

Legal and logistical challenges

The executive order directs former WWE CEO and superstar Linda McMahon, now Education Secretary, to begin reallocating the department's functions to other federal agencies and state governments. However, the complete dissolution of the department requires congressional approval, a process that may encounter significant political challenges.

The Department of Education administers essential services, including the disbursement of federal student loans and Pell Grants. The executive order mandates that these functions continue during the transition. However, there are concerns about potential disruptions in funding flows, which could affect vulnerable students and pose logistical challenges for educational institutions.

The move highlights the deep ideological divides in American politics. As the process unfolds, educators, policymakers, and communities nationwide will be closely monitoring the implications for the future of American education.