The U.S. Department of Education has played a central role in shaping national education policy since its establishment in 1979. However, President Donald Trump has revived calls to dismantle the department, calling for state-level control of education rather than current federal control. This proposal has sparked intense debate, with supporters viewing it to be a necessary step towards reducing government overreach, while critics warn of devastating consequences for students, teachers, and educational equity.
With billions of dollars in federal funding at stake, including programs that support low-income students and students with disabilities, and financial aid for higher education, many are asking: what would abolishing the Department of Education really mean for America’s schools?
Here, we break down Trump’s proposal, its potential impact on students, and the likelihood of this plan becoming reality.
What is President Trump’s proposal regarding the US Department of Education?
President Trump is proposing to dismantle the US Department of Education through an executive order, seeking to shift school policy decisions to state and local board level. This move aligns with his campaign promise to reduce federal oversight in education which was a key priority for conservatives. Trump argues that federal control has failed students, parents, and teachers, citing stagnant student achievement and high spending without significant improvements. So, what role does the Department of Education play in the US education system?
The Department of Education oversees elementary to post-secondary education, ensuring equal access to education for all students. Its key responsibilities include:
- Enforcing civil rights laws in schools
- Providing essential resources to over 50 million students nationwide
- Addressing funding gaps
- Administering federal financial aid programs for students
- Funding research and innovation
What is the Department of Education’s budget?
For the fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Department of Education requested a budget of US$90 billion, marking a 13.6% increase on the previous year. The lion’s share of this, US$20.5 billion, was intended for Title I programs which support 90% of school districts nationwide.
How would eliminating the Department of Education impact low-income students?
Low-income students rely on federal education programs to continue their education. Some key programs they benefit from are:
- Title I program which provides financial support to schools in districts with a high percentage of low-income families.
- Pell Grants which help low-income students to afford higher education.
- Job training and workforce development programs
As about 90% of students attend public schools, without federal oversight, class sizes could increase, college costs could rise, and job training programs may face cuts.
How would students with disabilities be affected if IDEA funding was cut?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) enables 7.5 million students with disabilities to receive a “free and appropriate public education” (FAPE). If the department is dismantled, experts caution that:
- Schools may no longer be required to provide Individual Education Programs.
- Parents would have less legal protection to advocate for their children.
- Families might face higher costs for private therapy and support services.
- Dropout rates among children with disabilities could increase.
Why is Trump’s proposal viewed as controversial?
The announced abolition of the Department of Education has sparked intense debates. Even before the executive order was signed, 20 Democratic state attorney generals filed lawsuits to block the move and prevent the planned layoffs. Key concerns include:
- Potential loss of Title 1 funding, which supports 90% of U.S. school districts
- Elimination of 180,000 teaching positions, leading to larger class sizes
- Cuts to special education programs under IDEA, potentially affecting 7.5 million students with disabilities.
- Weakened civil rights protections in schools
- Reduced access to federal student loans and Pell Grants
Has any previous administration attempted to dismantle the Department?
Republican administrations have long criticized the Department of Education, citing concerns that it wastes taxpayer dollars and oversteps its authority by interfering in decisions that are better left to states and schools.
Most notably:
- Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign called for the dismantling of the department, which was a new entity at the time. However, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights accused the Reagan administration of undermining school desegregation efforts in 1982.
- The Republican Party platform has repeatedly called for its abolition.
- The Project 2025 conservative blueprint revived efforts to dismantle the department.
Can Trump dismantle the Department of Education through an executive order alone?
President Trump cannot dismantle the Department of Education solely through an executive order. Since Congress created the Department, only Congress has the authority to close or transfer its functions through legislation.
Abolishing the Department of Education would require congressional approval and a minimum of 60 votes in the Senate to move forward.
What are the chances of Congress approving this proposal?
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives may support the measure but, given the current composition of the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats, achieving the 60-vote threshold looks unlikely.
Many lawmakers, including 11 Democratic senators, have already expressed opposition to the move, warning of “disastrous consequences” and potential harm to educational equity and funding for disadvantaged students.
What would be the long-term consequences for the US education system if the Department of Education is abolished?
Low-income students, first-generation college attendees, and those struggling with student debt would be disproportionately affected. These groups rely heavily on federal aid programs, which would be disrupted or lost. Colleges and universities, particularly smaller institutions, would also feel the impact as they depend on the Department of Education for funding. The loss of funding could lead to cuts in services, programs being canceled, and increased responsibility for state and local education agencies that may lack the resources to fill the gaps.
What do Americans want in terms of education policy?
Americans have diverse views on education policy. A recent survey conducted in 2024 by the non-profit, All4Ed, found that 58% of respondents across party lines opposed abolishing the Department of Education. This indicates that a significant majority of Americans value the role of the federal government in education and do not want to see the Department dismantled.
