US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday that aims to dismantle the Department of Education, the White House has confirmed. This move, which he promised during his campaign, is already facing legal challenges from those seeking to block the department’s closure as well as the sweeping cuts to its staff announced last week. The order is expected to be signed during a ceremony at the White House with Republican state governors, including Florida’s Ron DeSantis, reportedly set to attend.
Congressional Approval Required
While Trump has long called for the department to be eliminated, a goal cherished by some conservatives, completely dismantling it would require approval by Congress. This is seen as unlikely given the slim 53-47 majority Republicans hold in the Senate. Major legislation such as closing a department would require 60 votes. However, even without formal closure, the Trump administration could significantly reduce its funding and staff, as it has done with the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Department’s Role and Impact
Established in 1979, the Education Department oversees funding for public schools, administers student loans, and runs programs that help low-income students. A common misconception is that the department operates US schools and sets curricula – but that responsibility lies with states and local districts. Only about 13% of funding for primary and secondary schools comes from federal funds, with the majority provided by states and local groups. The agency plays a prominent role in administering federal student loans used by millions of Americans.
Administration’s Perspective
Trump has accused the department of indoctrinating young people with racial, sexual, and political material. Education Secretary Linda McMahon sent the department’s 4,400 employees a memo titled “Our Department’s Final Mission,” encouraging them to help ensure “we left American education freer, stronger, and with more hope for the future.” Earlier reports suggested Trump would look to end some programs and transfer others to different departments, such as the Treasury.
Opposition and Challenges
America’s largest teachers’ union has decried Trump’s plans, saying he “doesn’t care about opportunity for all kids.” The AFT stated: “No-one likes bureaucracy, and everyone’s in favor of more efficiency, so let’s find ways to accomplish that. But don’t use a ‘war on woke’ to attack the children living in poverty and the children with disabilities, in order to pay for vouchers and tax cuts for billionaires.” The order is expected to face further legal challenges once signed.
Last week, the Trump administration announced plans to cut about half of the education department’s workforce, affecting nearly 2,100 people who are set to be placed on leave from March 21. These cuts are part of broader workforce reductions led by the White House unit known as the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), overseen by Elon Musk.