Trump Reportedly Weighing Plan to Abolish U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education if re-elected, a move that would drastically reshape the federal government’s role in American schools.
Sources familiar with the discussions say Trump’s advisors are exploring legal pathways to transfer the department’s responsibilities to individual states, aligning with long-standing conservative efforts to reduce federal oversight in education. While Congress would ultimately need to approve such a measure, Trump’s team is reportedly drafting proposals to weaken the department’s authority through executive actions.
Potential Consequences of the Move
The Department of Education, established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, oversees federal education funding, civil rights protections, and student loan programs. Critics argue that eliminating the department would create significant disruptions.
- Impact on Federal Funding: The Department currently manages over $80 billion in federal education funding, much of which supports low-income schools and special education programs. If abolished, the redistribution of these funds to states could result in disparities in school funding nationwide.
- Civil Rights Concerns: The department’s Office for Civil Rights enforces protections under Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other anti-discrimination laws. Without federal oversight, states would have more control over these policies, raising concerns about potential rollbacks in student protections.
- Higher Education and Student Loans: The Department of Education administers federal student loan programs, including Pell Grants. If the department were dismantled, the future of these programs would be uncertain, potentially affecting millions of borrowers.
Political Reactions
Trump’s proposal has drawn strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Republican lawmakers who favor decentralization of education policy have praised the idea, arguing that local control would improve school choice and reduce government bureaucracy. However, education advocates and Democratic leaders warn that the move could jeopardize essential programs and exacerbate educational inequality.
“Dismantling the Department of Education would be a disaster for students, especially those in underfunded schools,” said one Democratic lawmaker. “This isn’t about helping kids—it’s about gutting public education.”
Trump has previously voiced support for dismantling the department, calling it an example of government overreach. However, past Republican administrations have struggled to gain congressional approval for similar efforts. Whether Trump’s potential plan gains traction remains to be seen, but it is certain to be a major point of debate in the 2024 election.
