President Donald Trump Signs Order to End Department of Education

On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump will sign an executive order to shut down the Department of Education, fulfilling a major campaign promise.

Reported by Reuters, this bold step reflects his administration’s goal to dismantle certain federal agencies, a plan highlighted by Fox News on March 19. This move signals a significant shift in domestic policy, aiming to transfer education oversight to the states and sparking debate over its implications.

The Department of Education, created in 1979, has been criticized by conservatives, including President Donald Trump, as an example of federal overreach. He has long argued that closing it would empower states to innovate without bureaucratic constraints. This executive order, enacted early in his second term, shows his intent to act quickly on key promises. It appeals to supporters who favor smaller government, though it raises concerns about the future of federal education support.

Opponents warn that eliminating the agency could disrupt funding for public schools, especially in low-income areas. The department manages billions in grants and programs like Title I and IDEA, which aid disadvantaged students. Critics fear a state-led approach might deepen inequalities, while Trump’s allies say local control will better serve communities. The order’s success hinges on navigating legal and legislative challenges, including Congressional budget approvals.

Though the executive order starts the process, fully dismantling the agency will take time. With an annual budget of about $80 billion, the department’s closure requires reassigning funds, likely through state block grants. Resistance from Democrats and some Republicans is expected, but Republican majorities in Congress as of March 2025 may ease the path. President Donald Trump’s team seems prepared to push forward despite anticipated opposition.

The move also affects civil rights enforcement, such as Title IX, raising questions about oversight gaps. Supporters argue states can handle these duties, while detractors predict uneven standards. Education experts see this as a test of decentralized governance, with outcomes depending on state readiness. The debate reflects broader political divides, intensified by Trump’s leadership style.

Public response is split. Conservative groups praise President Donald Trump for prioritizing state rights, while unions and progressives decry potential harm to students. Legal challenges are likely, with lawsuits possibly slowing the process. The administration frames this as a voter mandate from 2024, leaning on Trump’s base for support amid controversy.

Today’s signing marks a defining moment in Trump’s second term. If completed, closing the Department of Education would be a historic domestic shift. Its success—or fallout—will depend on execution and public reaction. For now, President Donald Trump’s decisive action sets the stage for a transformed education landscape, aligning with his vision of reduced federal control.