Trump’s Bold Move: Education Control Tug-of-War Between Feds and States

Trump’s bold plan to dismantle the Department of Education faces significant hurdles, experts warn.

At a Glance

Trump vows to close the Department of Education and return control to states
Experts say Congressional approval and a Senate supermajority are needed
Dismantling the DOE could impact federal aid, civil rights enforcement, and vulnerable students
Trump’s education agenda includes school choice and content restrictions

Trump’s Vision for Education Reform

President-elect Donald Trump has set his sights on a major overhaul of the U.S. education system, with the Department of Education (DOE) squarely in his crosshairs. Trump’s ambitious plan to dismantle the federal agency and return control to the states has reignited a long-standing debate about the role of federal oversight in education.

Trump’s stance on the DOE aligns with a conservative view that sees the department as a symbol of federal overreach. This perspective has roots dating back to the department’s establishment in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter. Since then, Republican administrations have consistently targeted the DOE for reform or elimination.

Legal and Legislative Challenges

Despite Trump’s determination, experts warn that dismantling the Department of Education is no simple task. Legal scholars point out that such a move would require more than just executive action.

“President Trump does not have the ability to eliminate a federal department. Eliminating it would require congressional action, including a supermajority of 60 votes in the Senate. So, even if Trump can follow through with what he says, he has to pull in some Democrats in the Senate, and that will likely be impossible.” stated Andrew Stoltmann

This legal hurdle presents a significant obstacle to Trump’s plan. The requirement for a supermajority in the Senate makes the prospect of completely dismantling the DOE highly unlikely in the current political climate.

Potential Impact on Education

The Department of Education, while the smallest Cabinet agency, plays a crucial role in several key areas of education policy and administration. It oversees federal financial aid, data collection, and anti-discrimination efforts in schools. The department also contributes less than 10% to public school funding, but this funding is often critical for specific programs and initiatives.

Critics of Trump’s plan argue that dismantling the DOE could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable students. The department’s role in civil rights enforcement and support for state education systems in providing resources to disadvantaged students could be compromised if its functions are dispersed or eliminated.

Trump’s Broader Education Agenda

Beyond the proposed dismantling of the DOE, Trump’s education platform includes several other significant reforms. These include nationwide universal school choice programs, content restrictions in schools, and the promotion of patriotic values in education.

“One thing I’ll be doing very early in the administration is closing up the Department of Education in Washington, DC, and sending all education and education work it needs back to the states. We want them to run the education of our children because they’ll do a much better job of it. You can’t do worse.” remarked Donald Trump

Trump’s vision also extends to higher education, with proposals for a new free university called the “American Academy,” funded by taxing and fining private universities. Additionally, he plans to end teacher tenure laws and implement merit pay for teachers.

The Path Forward

Given the significant obstacles to completely dismantling the Department of Education, Trump may need to consider alternative strategies to achieve his education reform goals. One possible approach, as suggested by experts, could be to appoint leadership that aligns with his vision, effectively reshaping the department’s priorities and operations from within.

As the debate over the future of the Department of Education continues, it’s clear that any significant changes will require not only political will but also broad legislative support. The coming months and years will likely see intense discussions about the proper role of federal oversight in education and the best ways to serve America’s students.