Department of Research, Studies and International News 21-03-2025

In a move that fulfills one of his longstanding campaign promises, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order initiating the process of dismantling the Department of Education. The decision, however, is expected to face significant legal and legislative hurdles before any permanent changes can take place.

Trump formalized the order in a highly publicized event, where he was surrounded by schoolchildren seated at desks. Each child was given their own copy of the order to sign in an orchestrated display, mirroring the president’s actions.

“I am signing an executive order to begin eliminating the Federal Department of Education once and for all,” Trump declared. He went on to argue that both Democrats and Republicans recognize the necessity of this move, although opposition from the former was swift and vocal.

Immediate Backlash and Legislative Barriers

Democrats and education advocates swiftly condemned the decision, labeling it a reckless and damaging move. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took to social media, stating, “Attempting to dismantle the Department of Education is one of the most destructive and devastating steps Donald Trump has ever taken. This. Will. Hurt. Kids.”

While Trump’s order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin facilitating the department’s closure, the final decision rests with Congress. Established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, the Department of Education was designed to centralize federal education efforts. Critics have long argued that its existence erodes state and local control over education policies.

The Department’s Role and Trump’s Criticism

Despite its limited authority, focusing mainly on data collection, research dissemination, federal aid distribution, and civil rights enforcement, Trump has frequently blamed the department for declining educational outcomes in the United States.

“We’re not doing well in education, and we haven’t for a long time,” he asserted. While U.S. students rank in the middle tier globally according to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Trump has repeatedly exaggerated their academic shortcomings.

As part of his broader efforts to reduce government spending and alleged inefficiencies, Trump announced that many Education Department employees had accepted buyout offers.

“We’ve cut the number of bureaucrats in half,” he claimed, implying that the department was unnecessarily bloated. However, critics argue that these layoffs disproportionately affected nonpartisan civil servants, many of whom ensure governmental stability across different administrations.

Among those affected by the potential dissolution of the department is Secretary Linda McMahon, a longtime Trump ally. However, the president reassured her of a continued role in his administration, promising, “We’re going to find something else for you, Linda.”

Despite the executive order, Trump does not have unilateral authority to abolish the Department of Education. The final decision requires congressional approval, a challenge given that such legislation would need to clear the Senate’s 60-vote threshold to bypass a filibuster.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has already pledged to introduce legislation supporting Trump’s initiative. “Since the department can only be shut down with congressional approval, I will submit legislation to accomplish this as soon as possible,” Cassidy stated. However, with the Republicans holding only a slim Senate majority, securing enough votes will be difficult.

Experts predict the issue will likely end up before the Supreme Court, as education advocates prepare to mount legal challenges. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Shihab Rattansi, Trump’s administration is eager to test the boundaries of executive power through this move.

Impact on Education Programs and Federal Oversight

While the executive order promises a smooth transition, critics fear that critical programs may be jeopardized. Among the most vulnerable are Pell Grants, which provide financial aid to low-income students, and services for students with disabilities.

Trump attempted to alleviate these concerns, stating that such programs would be preserved and reassigned to other agencies. “They will be redistributed to various departments that will take very good care of them,” he assured.

However, he emphasized that individual states would assume primary responsibility for education policies, a shift that has drawn mixed reactions. The order also explicitly states that federal funds will no longer support initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), or gender identity.

Support and Opposition

Trump’s move received enthusiastic support from some Republican governors, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who also campaigned on eliminating the department.

However, Democratic lawmakers, such as Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, argue that the federal role in education is indispensable. “The Department of Education ensures that all children, regardless of their background or zip code, can receive a quality education,” she stated. “Without it, many of our most vulnerable students will be left behind.”

She also suggested that Trump’s order is unconstitutional and will likely be challenged in court.

Although Trump has taken the first step toward dismantling the Department of Education, the path forward is fraught with obstacles. Legal challenges, congressional opposition, and public backlash may delay or derail his efforts altogether.

Nevertheless, this move underscores the administration’s broader strategy of reducing federal influence in favor of state control. Whether this approach will succeed remains to be seen, but for now, the future of federal education policy hangs in the balance.