President Donald Trump is planning to abolish the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise to eliminate what he sees as a failing bureaucracy filled with “radicals, zealots, and Marxists.” Trump and his supporters claim that NAEP scores reveal that American children are falling behind and attribute this to the presence of illegal minors in the country, diverting resources from American students. The move to dismantle the Department of Education is aimed at giving more control to families, states, and communities to improve educational outcomes for all students.
After confirming Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, as the head of the department, the Trump administration outlined plans for a “new era of accountability” in education. Despite resistance from organizations like the American Federation of Teachers, which oppose the elimination of the department, Trump is campaigning for more local control over education. The administration has criticized the current system for diverting resources to ideological initiatives and social experiments rather than focusing on student success.
While the Trump administration is pushing to eliminate the Department of Education, the president would require Congress to approve such a move, as stipulated in Article II of the U.S. Constitution. There is currently some congressional support for eliminating the department, with Rep. Thomas Massie introducing a measure to do so by December 2026. Trump has also expressed his desire for states to have more control over education to better serve the needs of students and communities.
Critics of the Department of Education argue that the agency has focused too heavily on diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates rather than on the foundational aspects of education. Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has called for a “complete reset” of the education system, starting with the closure of the Department of Education. Democrats are concerned about the future of education under the Trump administration and have pressed for more information about the potential dismantling of the agency.
Despite facing opposition from various groups and lawmakers, President Trump is moving forward with his plans to eliminate the Department of Education in favor of empowering parents and local communities to make decisions about education. The administration believes that this move will lead to better outcomes for all students by reducing bureaucratic interference and refocusing resources on student success. As the debate over the future of education continues, the Trump administration remains committed to its goal of transforming the education system in the United States.
