Trump's Bold Move: Executive Order to Abolish the Department of Education

President Donald Trump is charging forward with a controversial plan to abolish the Department of Education, a move that fulfills one of his key campaign promises. The executive order, aimed at dismantling the 45-year-old federal agency, has sparked heated debates across the political spectrum.

During his campaign, Trump criticized the department, calling it a hub for "radicals, zealots, and Marxists." Now, the White House has issued a fact sheet explaining that the executive order seeks to "return education to families instead of bureaucracies." Advocates of the decision argue that the agency has failed to improve educational outcomes despite substantial federal funding.

Harrison Fields, the White House principal deputy press secretary, highlighted alarming statistics, stating, "NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores reveal a national crisis — our children are falling behind." Fields also blamed Democrats for enabling millions of undocumented minors into the country, which he says has drained school resources and shifted focus away from American students.

The executive order also addresses contentious issues like CRT (Critical Race Theory) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives, which Fields claims are harming vulnerable communities. "This directive will empower parents, states, and communities to take control and improve outcomes for all students," Fields added.

Linda McMahon, the former WWE CEO and Trump’s nominee to lead the Department in its final days, has expressed her support for the move. In a memo issued shortly after her confirmation, McMahon described the department's elimination as a “momentous final mission” and vowed to oversee the transition swiftly and responsibly.

However, not everyone is on board. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has fiercely opposed the order, stating that dismantling the department could jeopardize educational equity and opportunities for all children. "Trying to abolish it sends a message that the president doesn’t care about opportunity for all kids," said AFT President Randi Weingarten.

Public opinion appears to align with the union; a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll found that over 60% of Americans strongly oppose abolishing the department. Critics argue that the agency plays a vital role in leveling the educational playing field, especially for disadvantaged communities.

Despite the executive order, Trump faces significant hurdles in Congress. Article II of the U.S. Constitution requires Congressional approval to dismantle federal agencies, and with only 53 Republican senators, achieving the necessary 60 votes seems unlikely. Still, some lawmakers, like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), have introduced measures to phase out the department by 2026.

Trump has emphasized his commitment to school choice, stating, "I want every parent in America to be empowered to send their child to public, private, charter, or faith-based school of their choice. The time for universal school choice has come."

The Department of Education was established in 1980 with the aim of improving coordination of federal educational programs. Despite its $79.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2024, critics argue that the agency has failed to produce significant improvements in student outcomes, as evidenced by stagnant NAEP scores for eighth-grade math and declining reading scores across grade levels.

Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has also called for a "complete reset" of the U.S. education system, stating that the department has prioritized diversity mandates over foundational education. Meanwhile, Democrats have vowed to resist the administration’s efforts, reiterating the department’s role in protecting civil rights and ensuring equal access to quality education.

As Trump moves forward with this contentious initiative, the nation remains deeply divided on whether abolishing the Department of Education is a step toward empowerment or a reckless gamble with the future of American students.