President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order today (March 20) aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. This initiative is part of his administration’s strategy, as articulated by Secretary Linda McMahon, to create “a better functioning” educational framework that aligns with their vision. This move is significant as it reflects an ongoing commitment from the Trump administration to follow through on campaign promises that include the elimination of this federal agency.

Reports from the Associated Press indicate that this action represents a critical step in fulfilling a campaign pledge to abolish the agency, which Trump has characterized as a source of wasteful spending and a bastion of liberal ideology. However, as noted by AP, completely dismantling the department is likely to require congressional action, given that it was established by law in 1979.

Understanding the Implications of Trump’s Executive Order on the Department of Education

While the White House has yet to detail which specific functions of the Department of Education could be transferred to other departments or eliminated entirely, an official fact sheet indicates that Secretary Linda McMahon will oversee the agency’s gradual closure. Her responsibilities will include “facilitating the closure (of) the Department of Education and returning education authority to the States.” At the same time, she must ensure that there is “effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.” This dual responsibility reflects the complexity of dismantling such a crucial institution while maintaining essential educational services.

Trump’s decision will significantly reduce the size of the Department of Education compared to its current structure. The Trump administration has already initiated a series of cuts to the agency, including workforce reductions and budget constraints. These changes have notably affected the Office for Civil Rights and the Institute of Education Sciences, which is responsible for collecting critical data on the nation’s academic performance and progress.

RELATED: You’re FIRED? With Federal Jobs Already At Risk, President Trump Wants Elon Musk To “Get More Aggressive”

Despite these changes, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt assured the public on Thursday that the department will maintain its role in managing federal student loans and Pell grants. She also stated that other essential responsibilities, such as civil rights enforcement, would continue, although the methods for achieving these objectives remain unclear. Leavitt emphasized that the “great responsibility of education, educating our nation’s students,” will be transferred back to the states, which raises questions about how states will handle these responsibilities moving forward.

Trump’s Longstanding Commitment to Dismantling the Education Department

Throughout his political platform, Donald Trump has consistently advocated for closing the Department of Education, asserting that it should be returned to state control, where he believes it rightfully belongs. This sentiment has been echoed by many Republicans over the years, who argue that the Department of Education misuses taxpayer funds and unnecessarily inserts the federal government into local educational decisions best left to states and school districts.

Trump has characterized the Department of Education as a breeding ground for “radicals, zealots, and Marxists” who impose excessive guidance and regulations. Interestingly, while taking steps to dismantle the agency, Trump has utilized its powers to further his own agenda, leveraging the investigative authority of the Office for Civil Rights to target educational institutions that contradict his directives, particularly regarding issues like transgender athlete participation, pro-Palestinian activism, and diversity initiatives.

The momentum for shutting down the Department of Education has surged recently, driven by conservative parent groups seeking greater control over their children’s education. A prominent voice in this movement is Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, who took to social media to advocate against bureaucratic interference: “No more bloated bureaucracy dictating what kids learn or stifling innovation with red tape.” Justice further expressed, “States, communities, and parents can take the reins—tailoring education to what actually works for their kids.”

Concerns and Opposition to Trump’s Education Department Plan

Supporters of public education have voiced strong opposition to the idea of dismantling the Department of Education, asserting that doing so would ultimately harm students rather than help them.

“This isn’t fixing education,” the National Parents Union stated in a public statement. “It’s making sure millions of children never get a fair shot. And we’re not about to let that happen without a fight.”

Representative Bobby Scott from Virginia has labeled Trump’s order as “dangerous and illegal,” predicting that it will disproportionately affect low-income students, students of color, and those with disabilities. As the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Scott argues that the Department of Education was established to ensure the enforcement of students’ civil rights, and he views the push for dismantling it as a regression to a time when segregationists campaigned for a return to states’ rights.

Despite the strong pushback, some of Trump’s allies have questioned whether he has the authority to eliminate the agency without congressional approval, and there are concerns about the political feasibility of such a move. In 2023, the House considered an amendment to eliminate the Department of Education, but a significant number of Republicans (60) sided with Democrats against it.

During Trump’s initial term, then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos sought to drastically reduce the department’s budget and proposed bundling K-12 funding into block grants, allowing states greater flexibility in their spending. However, this proposal faced substantial opposition, even from some within the Republican Party.

RELATED: Yikes! President Trump Says He’s Ending Secret Service Protection For Biden’s Adult Children

Associated Press staff Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian contributed to this report.