President Donald Trump is preparing to issue an executive order aimed at abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, according to reports by Opitangloba Media on Wednesday. The move, expected as soon as Thursday, aligns with long-standing conservative goals to reduce federal oversight in education and transfer authority to individual states.
A draft of the order, reportedly obtained by The Wall Street Journal, directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take “all necessary steps to facilitate the closure” of the department to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, the proposal faces significant legal and political hurdles, as completely abolishing a federal agency requires congressional approval—an obstacle that past Republican administrations have failed to overcome.
The Legal and Political Challenges Ahead Trump Education Executive Order
While Trump’s executive order signals his administration’s intent, the process of dismantling the Department of Education is far from straightforward. The department was established in 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, and its dissolution would require congressional approval—an uphill battle given the political landscape.
Legal experts argue that an executive order alone cannot unilaterally abolish a federal agency. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to create and fund government departments, meaning any attempt to eliminate the Department of Education would require legislative action. Even if Trump secures Republican control of both the House and Senate, strong opposition from Democrats and some moderate Republicans could stall or block the effort.
Moreover, opponents are expected to challenge the executive order in court, arguing that education is a fundamental public good requiring federal oversight to ensure equitable access for all students. Lawsuits from education advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, and state governments are likely to emerge, further complicating Trump’s plans.
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025: A Blueprint for Education Reform
Trump’s proposal aligns closely with Project 2025, a conservative policy roadmap developed by the Heritage Foundation. The initiative outlines a strategy to redistribute the Department of Education’s responsibilities to other federal agencies, effectively reducing the federal government’s role in public education.
Under this plan:
Civil Rights Oversight would shift to the Department of Justice.
Student Loan Management would be handled by the Department of the Treasury.
Title I Funding for Low-Income Schools would be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Supporters argue that these changes would streamline government functions, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and allow states to implement education policies tailored to their unique needs. Critics, however, warn that such a restructuring could weaken protections for disadvantaged students, including those with disabilities and from low-income backgrounds.
Secretary Linda McMahon’s Vision for Education Reform
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has reportedly outlined three key priorities for transforming the U.S. education system under Trump’s directive:
- Enhancing Parental Involvement – Expanding school choice programs, including publicly funded vouchers, to allow parents greater flexibility in selecting private or charter schools for their children.
- Decentralizing Control – Transferring educational oversight to state and local governments to promote community-driven decision-making.
- Reducing Bureaucratic Intervention – Rolling back federal regulations to empower teachers and school administrators with more autonomy in classroom management.
These objectives resonate with conservatives who believe that local control of education is more effective than federal mandates. However, education experts caution that such changes could lead to disparities in funding and educational quality across states, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in the public school system.
The Broader Implications of Abolishing the Department of Education
If successful, Trump’s plan would mark one of the most significant overhauls of the American education system in modern history. The federal government’s role in education has evolved over decades, from minimal involvement in the 19th century to the establishment of the Department of Education in 1980. Federal programs such as Title IX, special education funding, and Pell Grants for college students have since become essential in ensuring equal access to education.
Critics argue that dismantling the department could jeopardize critical funding streams for public schools and diminish oversight on issues such as civil rights protections, student loan regulations, and support for students with disabilities. Additionally, the transition process could create uncertainty and disruption for millions of students, teachers, and administrators nationwide.
On the other hand, Trump and his allies contend that the Department of Education has become an overbearing bureaucracy that stifles innovation and limits parental choice. They believe that returning control to states and local communities will lead to a more efficient and responsive education system.
A Political and Legal Battle on the Horizon
Trump’s expected executive order to abolish the Department of Education is set to ignite fierce debate in Washington and beyond. While conservatives celebrate the move as a long-overdue effort to restore state and parental control over education, opponents warn that it could undermine federal protections and exacerbate educational disparities.
With Congress holding the ultimate authority to determine the fate of the department, the coming months will likely see heated political and legal battles over the future of federal involvement in education. As Trump presses forward with his ambitious plan, the nation watches closely to see whether this historic restructuring will become a reality or face insurmountable roadblocks.
