Trump Signs Order to Dismantle US Education Department, Sparks Controversy
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to begin eliminating the Department of Education, aiming to shift control to states, a move hailed by Republicans but criticized by Democrats as a drastic overreach.
The signing ceremony took place on March 20, 2025, in the White House East Room, with Trump surrounded by schoolchildren. He described the order as a step to “shut down” the department and return education to states.
Established in 1979, the Department of Education requires congressional approval to be fully dissolved. The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reduce its operations, potentially starving it of funds and staff.
Trump stated, “We’re going to shut it down as quickly as possible. It’s doing us no good,” arguing that state-led education would improve standards. He cited lagging US performance compared to Europe and China.
Governors Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott attended the event, supporting the long-standing Republican goal of minimizing federal oversight. The Heritage Foundation called it “a beautiful day” for education reform.
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Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer labeled it a “tyrannical power grab,” warning of its devastating impact. Educators fear cuts to funding for low-income schools and civil rights protections.
Trump appointed Linda McMahon, ex-WWE CEO, as Education Secretary, hinting she could be the last. McMahon said Trump aims to “get those dollars back to the states without Washington’s bureaucracy.”
The federal government funds only 13% of US primary and secondary schools, with states and localities covering the rest. It plays a key role in grants and enforcing student rights, which could now be at risk.
Trump, advised by Elon Musk and his Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE), has already slashed other agencies. A similar attempt on USAID was recently blocked by a federal judge.
The order’s implementation hinges on Congress, where resistance is expected. Democrats vow to fight, while the White House suggests a smaller department will persist for critical functions like student loans.
