Trump Orders Review of U.S. Department of Education, Sparks Debate Over Its Future

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has signed an executive order initiating a thorough review of the U.S. Department of Education, fueling speculation about the agency’s future and sparking fervent debate among educators, lawmakers, and the public. The order, signed on Thursday, March 20, directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to assess the department’s effectiveness and identify areas for potential restructuring or streamlining.

While the order doesn’t explicitly call for the department’s dissolution, it echoes Trump’s campaign promises and longstanding conservative critiques of the agency’s role in education. Some conservatives argue the Department of Education overreaches its authority, imposing federal mandates that stifle local control and innovation in schools. They advocate for returning decision-making power and funding to individual states and districts.

“We will close it as soon as possible,” Trump stated on the sidelines of the signing, signaling his intent to overhaul the department. He praised McMahon’s leadership, expressing his hope that she would be the “last minister of education,” suggesting meaningful changes ahead.

Shortly after the signing, McMahon circulated a memo to the department’s 4,400 employees, titled “The Last Mission of Our Department,” further fueling speculation about the agency’s future. “This is our chance to provide the last public service that is memorable for future generation students,” she wrote.”I hope you can all work with me, so that when this last mission is complete, we can proudly declare that we have bequeathed American education that is more independent, more resilient, and full of hope for the future.”

What Does the Department of Education Do?

Established in 1979, the U.S. Department of Education plays a crucial role in shaping education policy and practice across the nation. Its primary responsibilities include:

Distributing federal funding to states and school districts: This funding supports a wide range of programs, including special education, Title I programs for low-income students, and initiatives to improve teacher quality.
Administering federal student loan programs: The department oversees billions of dollars in student loans, helping students finance their college education.
* Enforcing civil rights laws in education: The department ensures that schools comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, sex, disability, and other protected characteristics.

Despite these responsibilities, it’s critically important to note that the Department of Education does not control schools or dictate curriculum. These decisions are primarily made at the state and local levels, reflecting the American tradition of local control over education.

The Debate: Local control vs. federal Oversight

Critics of the Department of Education argue that it has become overly bureaucratic and that its regulations stifle innovation and adaptability in schools. They point to examples such as the Common Core State Standards Initiative, which, while not a federal mandate, was incentivized by federal funding and sparked considerable controversy over curriculum control.

Proponents of the department, however, maintain that it is essential for ensuring equity and access to quality education for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. They argue that federal oversight is necessary to prevent discrimination and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, nonetheless of their zip code.

American Teacher Federation condemned Trump’s plan, and called it “no matter the opportunity for all children”.

“Nobody likes bureaucracy, and everyone supports greater efficiency, so let’s find a way to achieve it,” said the Union in a statement. “But don’t use ‘war against Woke’ to attack children who live in poverty and children with disabilities.”

The Budget and Workforce

In the fiscal year 2024, the Department of Education’s budget was $238 billion, representing less than 2% of the total federal budget. The department employs approximately 4,400 people, making it one of the smallest cabinet-level agencies.

The Trump governance has already taken steps to reduce the department’s workforce, announcing plans to cut about half of its employees. These cuts have raised concerns about the department’s ability to effectively carry out its responsibilities, particularly in areas such as student loan servicing and civil rights enforcement.

Can Trump dissolve the Department?

Dissolving the Department of Education would require congressional approval, a significant hurdle given the divided political landscape. While Republicans hold a majority in the Senate (53-47), Trump would need the support of at least seven Democratic senators to overcome a potential filibuster. Even in the House of Representatives, securing the necessary votes would be a challenge.Last year’s voting to remove the Ministry of Education attached as an amendment to the Laingagal Bill was passed.

At that time, 60 Republican members joined all Democratic Party members in the council to reject it.

However,Trump can still significantly reshape the department through executive action,including budget cuts,personnel reductions,and regulatory changes.

The Future of Student Loans

One of the key questions surrounding the future of the Department of education is what will happen to the federal student loan program. The department currently oversees a portfolio of over $1.5 trillion in student loans, affecting more than 40 million Americans.

Trump has suggested that the Department of Education should not be involved in managing student loans, stating, “I don’t think the Department of Education should not handle loans. That’s not their buisness.” Experts believe that the student loan portfolio could be transferred to the Treasury Department or a private entity.

Whatever happens later, the borrower still has to pay off their loans.

Trump’s court decision and policy have canceled several changes sought by former President Joe Biden to reduce loan costs and remove some debt.

Past Context: A longstanding Debate

The debate over the role of the federal government in education is not new. Since the Department of Education was established in 1979, conservatives have argued that it should be abolished or significantly downsized.

republican parties historically oppose the concentration of educational policies. They believe that it should be handed over to the state and respective regions.

They argue that education is primarily a state and local responsibility and that federal intervention can lead to unintended consequences and a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t meet the needs of diverse communities.

Looking ahead, the future of the Department of Education remains uncertain. While dissolving the department entirely would be a difficult task, the Trump administration is likely to pursue significant changes through executive action. These changes could have a profound impact on schools, students, and the direction of education policy in the United States.

What will become of the students if this department shuts down?