Today's News: Trump Moves to Dismantle the Education Department

While the department cannot be abolished without congressional approval, the administration has already made significant workforce cuts and plans to shift authority over education to states.

Terrence Dorsey

Mar 20, 2025

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Date: March 19, 2025
Topic: Trump Moves to Dismantle the Education Department, Sparking Legal and Political Battles
Summary: President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps toward dismantling the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise. While the department cannot be abolished without congressional approval, the administration has already enacted significant workforce cuts and plans to shift authority over education to states. The move has drawn sharp criticism from educators, unions, and Democrats, who argue it could harm students, particularly those relying on federal grants, student loans, and disability protections. Supporters say it is a necessary step to reduce federal overreach and return decision-making to local governments. The order is expected to trigger legal challenges and further political division.

Sources

Note: The Wall Street Journal did not have any recent coverage on this topic.

Key Points

Executive Order Targets the Education Department: Trump’s executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps toward dismantling the department, though full closure requires congressional approval.
Workforce Cuts: The administration has already cut nearly 50% of the Education Department’s staff, significantly reducing its operational capacity.
Legal and Political Challenges: Critics, including education unions and Democratic lawmakers, argue the move will harm students and violate federal laws. Legal challenges are expected.
Shifting Education Authority to States: The administration claims the move will restore local control over education, though opponents argue most education decisions are already made at the state level.
Federal Funding and Programs: Trump’s order does not immediately cut major federal education programs such as Title I for low-income schools, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or federal student loans, but critics worry about long-term funding stability.
Republican Support and Opposition: While Republicans have long sought to abolish the Education Department, Trump's move has met mixed reactions, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about political feasibility.

Unique Highlights

The New York Times: Emphasized the historical context, noting no modern president has attempted to unilaterally eliminate a federal department. Also highlighted public polling showing that two-thirds of Americans oppose closing the Education Department.
CNN: Reported that the executive order is being framed as an expansion of “educational opportunities” and that Trump had previously told McMahon to “put herself out of a job.” Noted a planned White House event with school children and education officials.
NBC News: Highlighted McMahon’s Senate confirmation hearing, where she acknowledged that dismantling the department requires congressional approval. Also reported internal memos instructing staff to prepare for significant departmental restructuring.
Fox News: Framed the move as a fight against government overreach and noted that past Republican efforts to dismantle the department date back to President Ronald Reagan. Quoted experts explaining that eliminating the department would require a congressional supermajority.
The Washington Post: Provided a detailed breakdown of the department’s functions, including student loans, special education, and civil rights enforcement. Noted that previous Republican administrations have sought to downsize, but not eliminate, the agency.

Contrasting Details

Extent of Executive Power:
- Fox News and CNN suggested Trump could significantly weaken the department through executive action, though full closure requires congressional approval.
- The New York Times and The Washington Post emphasized that Trump cannot legally eliminate the department without legislative action.
Impact on Federal Programs:
- CNN and NBC News stated that Trump’s order does not change funding for major programs like Title I and IDEA.
- The Washington Post warned that cuts to research and regulatory functions could still have long-term consequences for students and schools.
Political Feasibility:
- Fox News reported that Trump may be able to garner congressional support, particularly from Republicans.
- The New York Times and The Washington Post were skeptical, noting past failed attempts and strong public opposition.
Framing of the Move:
- Fox News and CNN presented the order as fulfilling a campaign promise and a step toward local control.
- The New York Times and NBC News focused on the potential legal challenges and disruptions to federal education programs.

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