Washington, March 20, 2025 — President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Thursday aimed at initiating the shutdown of the US Department of Education, a move that fulfills a long-standing campaign promise and aligns with his vision of decentralizing education policy in the United States. According to a senior White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the executive order will serve as the first formal step in Trump's effort to dismantle the agency and transfer control over education to state and local governments.

The move has stirred controversy across political circles, with conservative supporters praising Trump’s action as a push for state autonomy and liberal critics warning of chaos and inequality in education policy.

Why is Trump Targeting the Department of Education?

Trump has frequently criticized the Department of Education, describing it as wasteful, inefficient, and ideologically influenced by liberal agendas. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump promised to dismantle the agency, arguing that education policy should be determined locally rather than by federal authorities.

“The Department of Education is a bureaucratic relic that has become a tool of liberal indoctrination and wasteful spending,” Trump stated at a recent campaign rally. “Our children deserve better, and their education should be in the hands of parents and local communities who know them best.”

What Does the Executive Order Entail?

According to a White House fact sheet, the executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to:

• Facilitate the closure of the Department of Education.
• Transfer education authority to the states while ensuring the continued delivery of critical services and programs.
• Develop a transition plan that minimizes disruptions to education services and maintains oversight of federally funded programs.

Congressional Approval Required for Full Dissolution

Although Trump’s executive order sets the stage for reducing federal control over education, dissolving the Department of Education entirely would require legislative action from Congress. The Department was established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, and Congress holds the authority to determine its fate.

“While the executive order signals a strong intent to devolve education policy to the states, the complete dismantling of the Department of Education will require a vote by Congress, which could face considerable resistance from Democrats and some moderate Republicans,” said Professor James Hall, an expert on education policy.

Impact of the Move: Potential Consequences

The immediate impact of the executive order is expected to be significant. Trump’s administration has already begun gutting the agency through layoffs and program cuts, reducing the size of the Office for Civil Rights and the Institute of Education Sciences, which monitors national academic progress.

Critics have warned that eliminating federal oversight could lead to disparities in educational quality across states, potentially disadvantaging marginalized and low-income communities.

Civil rights groups have raised concerns that without federal oversight, protections for students from discrimination and inequities could be severely weakened. “This is a reckless move that could lead to a patchwork of policies where marginalized communities are left behind,” warned Lydia Martinez, spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Conservatives Applaud Shift Toward State Control

Conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups have welcomed Trump’s decision, arguing that education policy should be left to state and local governments that better understand the needs of their communities.

“Washington should not dictate how our children are educated,” said Senator Josh Hawley. “Returning education to the states will empower parents and teachers to make decisions that best serve their students.”

Challenges Ahead: Implementation and Oversight

Even if Congress approves the dissolution of the Department of Education, the process of transferring authority to states would be complex and time-consuming. The department currently oversees billions of dollars in federal education funding, including grants, loans, and aid programs that benefit millions of students across the country.

Education experts warn that an abrupt shift to state control could create gaps in funding and oversight, particularly in states with limited resources or weaker accountability mechanisms.

“Transitioning federal oversight to the states requires a carefully coordinated plan to ensure that critical services such as special education programs and student loan administration continue without disruption,” noted Dr. Emily Crawford, a former senior official at the Department of Education.

Trump’s Broader Push for Deregulation

The move to eliminate the Department of Education is part of Trump’s broader agenda to reduce the size and influence of the federal government. In recent weeks, Trump signed an executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) aimed at rescinding policies enacted under the Biden administration and positioning the US as a global leader in AI innovation.

The order directed federal agencies to eliminate regulations that hinder the advancement of AI technologies and ensure that the US remains free from ideological biases that critics claim infiltrated federal policies during the previous administration.

Political Ramifications: Divided Public Opinion

Trump’s decision to shut down the Department of Education is likely to become a polarizing issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. While conservatives celebrate the move as a victory for states' rights, progressive groups are expected to mobilize opposition, arguing that dismantling federal oversight will lead to widespread inequalities in the education system.

Democratic leaders have vowed to challenge the order both legally and legislatively. “We will fight tooth and nail to protect the rights of students and ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, receives a quality education,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for US Education

As President Trump prepares to sign the executive order to initiate the shutdown of the Department of Education, the future of education policy in the United States hangs in the balance. While conservative proponents applaud the return of power to the states, critics warn of the potential for chaos, inequality, and reduced protections for vulnerable students.

With Congress holding the final authority on whether to dissolve the agency entirely, the coming months are expected to witness intense political debate and public scrutiny over one of the most transformative education reforms in US history.

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