The political landscape of American education is shifting dramatically as President Donald Trump moves forward with a plan to abolish the Department of Education, a decision that has ignited passionate responses from both supporters and opponents. His administration argues that the department has become a bureaucratic stronghold of ideological indoctrination rather than an institution focused on student success. Critics, however, warn that such a move threatens to dismantle essential protections and resources for students across the country.
Trump has long been vocal about his discontent with the Department of Education, describing it on the campaign trail as being overrun by “radicals, zealots, and Marxists.” Now, with an executive order in motion, the White House is making its case: education should be in the hands of families, local communities, and states—not unelected bureaucrats in Washington.
Harrison Fields, the White House principal deputy press secretary, cited concerning statistics from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) as evidence that the federal education system is failing. Additionally, the administration has pointed to the financial burden of educating millions of illegal minors and the rise of controversial curricula centered around critical race theory (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
This decision follows the recent confirmation of Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO, as the new Secretary of Education. In a striking turn of events, McMahon herself has acknowledged that part of her mission will be to oversee the department’s closure. In a memo issued on March 3, she described this task as a “momentous final mission,” emphasizing that the administration is following through on the will of the American people.
Opposition to the move has been swift and vocal. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) immediately condemned the executive order, calling on Congress to reject it outright. AFT President Randi Weingarten accused Trump of disregarding the needs of American students, suggesting that his plan caters only to his wealthy allies. She also highlighted a February NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll indicating that more than 60% of Americans strongly oppose eliminating the agency. Democrats in Congress have echoed these concerns, stressing that the department plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to quality education and protecting civil rights.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s supporters remain undeterred. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced legislation in January to dismantle the department by December 2026, arguing that education decisions should be left to states and local communities. Trump himself has reaffirmed his commitment to school choice, pledging to empower parents to select the best educational options for their children, whether public, private, charter, or faith-based.
While Trump’s executive order sets the stage for significant reform, the road ahead is steep. Under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, Congress would need to approve the department’s dissolution, requiring 60 votes in the Senate—a threshold unlikely to be met given the current partisan divide. However, the administration appears poised for a battle, viewing this as an opportunity to redefine the nation’s educational priorities.
The Department of Education was founded in 1980. We spent 1 trillion dollars on education and test scores have been declining. pic.twitter.com/lZwvxkoKAd
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 20, 2025
The debate over the Department of Education is about more than bureaucracy; it is a fundamental discussion about who controls the education of America’s children. As the battle lines are drawn, one thing is certain: the future of American education hangs in the balance.
WE’RE CLOSING DOWN THE CORRUPT FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION!!!😎🥳🥳🥳 — BACK TO THE STATES!!! pic.twitter.com/uszBOi9Ew1
— il Donaldo Trumpo (@PapiTrumpo) March 19, 2025
