Trump’s Bold Push to Dismantle the Education Department: What’s Really Happening?

President Donald Trump has ramped up his efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, a move that has reignited debates over federal oversight in education. But don’t hold your breath just yet—this plan faces some significant hurdles in Congress.

Last week, Republican lawmakers approved funding for the Department of Education in a spending bill to avert a government shutdown. So, for now, the department remains very much alive. But Trump’s broader strategy hinges on legislative action: both chambers of Congress would need to pass laws either abolishing the department or redistributing its functions to other agencies.

There’s a catch, though. The Senate would need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, and Democrats are unlikely to support the plan. Even some Republicans may balk at such a drastic measure. Talk about a tall order.

The Trump administration is expected to send Congress a "recissions" request soon—essentially asking lawmakers to cancel already-approved spending. While this wouldn’t outright eliminate the Department of Education, it would gut its capabilities by stripping funding. Think of it as leaving the lights on but removing the furniture.

Looking ahead, the real battle will unfold in the spring and summer when Congress negotiates the next round of spending bills. Opponents of the department may try to "zero out" its funding entirely. But again, the Senate’s filibuster rule means such efforts face long odds.

In short, while Trump’s push to dismantle the Department of Education is headline-grabbing, the political and procedural barriers make its success anything but guaranteed.