Trump Moves to Abolish Department of Education, Citing Declining Student Performance
President Donald Trump is poised to sign an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise amid concerns over declining national educational standards.
President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that would effectively disband the U.S. Department of Education, a move he claims will rectify the ongoing decline in national student performance. The decision comes in the wake of disappointing results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which Trump’s administration argues signals a ’national crisis’ in education.
Trump has long criticized the Department of Education, labeling it a hub for ‘radicals, zealots, and Marxists’ during his campaign. The proposed executive order is seen as a step towards fulfilling his pledge to ’turn over education to families instead of bureaucracies.’ According to a White House fact sheet, the move is intended to empower parents, states, and communities to take control and enhance educational outcomes.
The decision has sparked a significant backlash from educators and political figures. The American Federation of Teachers, led by President Randi Weingarten, has strongly opposed the move, arguing that it undermines the federal government’s responsibility to ensure equal educational opportunities for all children. Weingarten highlighted a recent poll indicating that over 60% of Americans oppose the eradication of the Department of Education.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s administration points to specific instances of educational failure, such as 13 Baltimore high schools where no students achieved proficiency in mathematics in 2023. They also criticize the use of federal funds for what they describe as ‘radical ideologies,’ including critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The executive order would need Congressional approval to be fully implemented, as per Article II of the U.S. Constitution. With only 53 Republican senators, achieving the necessary 60 votes to pass such a measure remains a challenge. However, there is some support within Congress for this initiative, with Representative Thomas Massie introducing a bill to eliminate the Department by December 2026.
Trump has also emphasized his support for school choice, advocating for the empowerment of parents to select the best educational path for their children, whether public, private, charter, or faith-based. This aligns with his broader goal of reducing federal oversight and returning more control to states and local communities.
As the debate over the future of the Department of Education intensifies, the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to overhaul the current system, which it believes has failed American students.