Why does Donald Trump Sign an Executive Order to Dismantle the US Department of Education?

On March 20, 2025, as per the White House, US President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order aimed at improving education outcomes by shifting authority from the federal government to parents, teachers, and local communities. This initiative seeks to enhance educational excellence and efficiency while ensuring that resources are utilised effectively.

What is the purpose and policy for dismantling the Department of Education?

A Vision for Education Reform

A strong educational system is essential for the nation's future. However, excessive federal control has hindered progress, leading to inefficiencies and poor student outcomes. The policy underscores the need for:

• Empowered Families: Giving parents a greater say in their children's education.
• Engaged Communities: Encouraging local stakeholders to take responsibility for educational success.
• Effective Resource Allocation: Ensuring funding is used efficiently to improve learning outcomes.

Why does Trump sign an Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education?

US President Donald Trump’s decision to dismantle the Department of Education marks a significant shift in federal oversight of education policy. This move is driven by his administration’s push for decentralisation, reduced federal spending, and greater state control over education. However, the decision raises concerns about its impact on vulnerable student populations, student loan management, and civil rights enforcement in schools. Below is given in details:

1. Impact of Department of Education's Closure on Low-Income, Rural, and Disabled Students

The Department of Education plays a crucial role in providing financial aid and support to millions of students, particularly those from low-income and rural backgrounds, as well as individuals with disabilities.

a. Low-Income & Rural Students

• $18B+ Title I grants support 26M students in high-poverty districts.
• Loss of federal oversight may lead to fund misallocation and weakened accountability.
• Rural schools rely on technical support from the department.

b. Students with Disabilities

• $15B+ IDEA funding aids 7.4M students with disabilities.
• Transfer to HHS may reduce expertise and impact accessibility.

2. Student Loan Management Issues

3. Curriculum Control Remains with States

• The Department of Education does not have authority over curriculum, instructional programs, or textbook selection.
• Curriculum decisions are made at the state and local levels, ensuring no immediate impact from the department’s closure.

4. Massive Workforce Reductions

• The department has announced a nearly 50% reduction in work force through layoffs and voluntary buyouts.
• The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), responsible for addressing discrimination cases in schools, is among the hardest-hit sectors.
• Seven of OCR’s twelve regional offices are set to close, reducing its ability to handle cases related to antisemitism, racism, and disability discrimination.
• Employees express concerns that staff cuts may significantly delay or halt investigations into civil rights violations in educational institutions.

What are the challenges in the current Department of Education?

With the current department of education, there are various issues, which are given in the below table:

What would be the strategy of Trump’s for education reform?

Proposal of Shutting Down the Department of Education

The initiative proposes phasing out the Department of Education and returning educational control to states. This will:

• Eliminate Bureaucratic Overhead: Reduce inefficiencies in fund allocation.
• Improve Student Performance: Allow states to tailor policies based on their unique educational needs.
• Streamline Student Loan Management: Shift financial aid services to a more specialised and efficient entity.

Ensuring Compliance and Fairness

The Secretary of Education will oversee:

• Gradual Transition: Ensuring uninterrupted service delivery during the transition.
• Legal Compliance: Maintaining adherence to federal education laws and anti-discrimination regulations.
• Funding Accountability: Enforcing strict guidelines for fund utilisation while eliminating programs that do not align with core educational goals.

What are the general provisions and implementations for education?

Guiding Principles

• Preservation of Authority: Existing legal frameworks remain intact for other federal agencies.
• Budgetary Considerations: Implementation will be subject to available appropriations and legislative approvals.
• Legal Protections: The executive order does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. government or its entities.

What are the expected outcomes after the order given by Trump to dismantle the Department of Education?

U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to dismantle the Department of Education has sparked widespread debate regarding its potential consequences. Advocates argue that decentralising education policy could lead to more localised decision-making, increased efficiency, and better financial management. Critics, however, warn of possible disparities in education quality across states and reduced federal oversight on key policies, such as student loan programs and civil rights protections.

The expected outcomes of this move can be analysed through several key focus areas:

Conclusion

By decentralising education management and prioritising local involvement, this initiative aims to revitalise the American education system. Empowering parents, teachers, and communities will pave the way for a more effective and student-centric educational experience.

Various expected outcomes are to be seen and focus on areas like localised education control, reduced bureaucracy, improved student performance, and enhanced financial aid management.

Reference: whitehouse