**As President Trump considers an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, we break down its functions and the obstacles he faces in executing his plan.**
**Trump's Bid to Dismantle the Department of Education: What You Need to Know**
**Trump's Bid to Dismantle the Department of Education: What You Need to Know**
**An in-depth look at Trump's proposals and the implications for the Department of Education amidst ongoing political tensions.**
In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump has signaled his intention to utilize executive powers to potentially dismantle the US Department of Education, a goal that aligns with long-held desires of many conservatives. The president’s proposed actions would not only terminate some existing programs but also redistribute others within different governmental frameworks, as reported by various media outlets.
Trump’s directive aims to instruct his newly appointed Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, to pursue methods in alignment with legal limits to facilitate this significant closure of the department. However, while Trump has expressed ambitions to remove the Department of Education entirely, such action fundamentally hinges on congressional approval, as it was established through legislative action in 1979.
The Department of Education plays a crucial role in overseeing public school funding, administering student loans, and managing programs that support low-income students. The agency also enforces civil rights protections against discriminatory practices within federally funded educational institutions.
Financially, the agency stands as a small fraction of the federal budget, with a total allocation of about $238 billion for fiscal year 2024, translating to less than 2% of federal expenditures. It employs approximately 4,400 staff members, representing the smallest number within any cabinet-level department. Public education funding, predominantly sourced from state and local governments, accounted for roughly $857 billion in spending for primary and secondary education in 2024, averaging over $17,000 per student.
Despite Trump’s plans, achieving the closure of the department will be a daunting challenge without bipartisan support in Congress. Abolishing an agency of this nature requires a supermajority in the Senate, where the current Republican majority of 53-47 would need to secure contributions from at least seven Democratic senators—an uphill battle given the political polarization.
Previous attempts to abolish the Department of Education have already encountered significant resistance. A failed amendment last year exemplifies this sentiment, as a group of 60 Republican representatives joined Democrats to reject the bill.
The movement to dismantle the Department of Education has roots dating back decades, with critics arguing for a decentralized approach to education that favors local governance. This sentiment, historically associated with figures like Ronald Reagan, is compounded by current Republican criticisms claiming the department promotes progressive educational agendas, particularly on issues relating to gender and race.
Proponents of the initiative, often aligned with Trump, advocate for greater school choice, enabling families to utilize public funds for private or religious educational institutions instead of being limited to traditional public schools. Additionally, conservative voices have suggested shifting other critical operations, such as student loans, under the aegis of the Department of the Treasury, while maintaining that civil rights enforcement remains within the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice.
As this story unfolds, the implications of Trump's initiatives for the future of education policy and governance in the United States remain a focal point of national interest.
