In March 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to begin a process aimed at reducing or transferring many of its functions. The order states that authority over education should be returned “to the States and local communities.” This marks a significant shift in federal education policy, as ED has operated as a cabinet-level department since 1980.

Will He or Won’t He? Understanding the Process

The administration’s approach involves two main steps.

Executive Action: The executive order instructs the Secretary of Education to create a plan for winding down or reallocating departmental responsibilities. An executive order alone does not eliminate ED. It can, however, direct how the agency uses its authority or manages programs.

Legislative Action: Fully abolishing a federal department requires an act of Congress because ED was created by statute. This would require majority approval in the House and a minimum of 60 votes in the Senate. As of late 2025, no such legislation has been passed.

The administration has reassigned some ED programs to other federal agencies as part of the transition plan. Other core functions—such as student loans and civil rights enforcement—remain active within the department.

Rationale Behind the Initiative

Public statements from the administration outline several reasons for pursuing changes to the Department of Education:

Shifting Control to States: Supporters argue that states and local school districts are better positioned to make education decisions tailored to their communities.

Reducing Federal Involvement: The administration has stated that the federal role in education has expanded over time and that scaling back could streamline responsibilities.

Budgetary Considerations: Consolidating or relocating federal programs may reduce administrative costs, though the full financial impact is not yet known.

Differing Reactions Across States

Reactions to the executive order vary widely.

Red State vs. Blue State Perspectives

The proposal has received mixed reactions along partisan lines. Red states, which generally favor states’ rights and local control, have welcomed the move. They view it as an opportunity to shape education policy without federal interference. Many Republican-led states already reject federal education initiatives such as Common Core and have pushed back against federal mandates on curriculum content.

On the other hand, blue states consider this a threat to public education and a potential driver of inequality. This is particularly true of particularly those with strong teachers’ unions and reliance on federal education funding. Democratic governors argue that eliminating the ED would leave vulnerable students, including low-income families and students with disabilities, without crucial protections.

States Favoring Local Control:
Some states have expressed support, noting that they already operate with minimal reliance on federal programs and view the change as consistent with existing state-level priorities.

States Concerned About Program Stability:
Other states have raised concerns, particularly around the continuity of programs that support students with disabilities, low-income families, English language learners, and civil rights protections. These states note that many federal programs rely on multiyear grants and established compliance structures.

Education organizations, policy researchers, and school districts have also voiced a mix of support and concerns, depending on how specific programs in their states may be affected.

Conclusion

The effort to scale back or reorganize the Department of Education represents a major change in federal education policy. While the executive order has initiated a transition process, the department continues to operate, and many key programs remain in place. Any full dissolution of the department would require congressional approval, and the long-term outcome remains uncertain.

One thing is for certain: whether or not the ED remains intact, local schools will always be at the forefront of our nation’s education system. You can make a positive impact in your local community by becoming a teacher. Combining your real-world experience with the ranks of traditionally-trained educators could give local students the best of both worlds. Learn about alternative teacher certification by visiting www.americanboard.org. American Board’s online teacher certification program is fast and affordable, allowing you to obtain state-licensure quickly.