A key figure in Donald Trump’s education plan has admitted that shutting down the U.S. Department of Education would not be possible without approval from Congress. This statement challenges Trump’s long-standing campaign promise to eliminate or drastically reduce the department if he returns to the White House in 2024.
The nominee, who is expected to play a major role in Trump’s education policies, acknowledged in a recent interview that the department “clearly could not be shut down” without legislative approval. This admission contradicts previous claims from some conservative figures who suggested a president could dismantle the agency unilaterally.
The remark has sparked discussions among lawmakers, education experts, and political analysts about the feasibility of Trump’s proposal and the potential consequences of attempting to eliminate the department.
During his first presidential campaign in 2016 and throughout his time in office, Trump consistently criticized the Department of Education. He argued that states should have more control over schools instead of a centralized federal agency making decisions for the entire nation. Many of his supporters have pushed for the department’s complete abolition, claiming that it is an unnecessary bureaucracy that interferes with local education systems.
In his 2024 campaign, Trump has once again made education a central issue, promising to strip power from the federal government and return decision-making authority to the states. However, legal experts and lawmakers from both parties have pointed out that eliminating a federal agency is not simple. It requires a vote from Congress, making it highly unlikely unless Republicans gain a strong majority in both the House and Senate.
The U.S. Department of Education was created in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter to oversee federal education funding, enforce civil rights laws in schools, and ensure equal access to education for all students. It also administers student loans and grants, making it a crucial part of the higher education system.
The department’s responsibilities include:
Critics of shutting down the department argue that it plays a vital role in protecting students’ rights, particularly for marginalized communities. They warn that eliminating it could lead to reduced funding for low-income schools, weaker protections for students with disabilities, and fewer resources for college students who rely on federal financial aid.
On the other hand, supporters of Trump’s plan argue that education should be entirely under state and local control. They claim the department adds unnecessary bureaucracy and that federal involvement leads to one-size-fits-all policies that do not work for every community.
Despite Trump’s bold campaign promise, shutting down the Department of Education would be extremely difficult. Experts say that even if Trump were re-elected and pushed for its closure, Congress would have to pass legislation to eliminate it—a significant hurdle given the political landscape.
Even under a Republican-controlled Congress, the move would likely face strong opposition from lawmakers who recognize the department’s essential functions. Some conservatives may favor reducing the department’s influence but may not support complete elimination.
Additionally, dismantling the department would require transferring its responsibilities to other government agencies or state governments. This could create administrative chaos and disrupt education systems nationwide. Programs that provide financial aid, enforce civil rights protections, and support disadvantaged schools would need to be reassigned, leading to uncertainty and confusion.
The statement from Trump’s education pick has triggered reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Democratic lawmakers quickly used it to argue that Trump’s campaign promise is unrealistic.
“This confirms what we’ve been saying all along—Trump’s plan to destroy the Department of Education is nothing more than an empty campaign slogan,” said one Democratic senator. “It’s legally and logistically impossible.”
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Some Republican lawmakers, while supporting a shift toward more state control, also acknowledge the difficulty of eliminating the department entirely. “We need to focus on reforming the system rather than tearing it down completely,” a Republican congressman stated.
Education leaders and advocacy groups have also voiced concerns. Many worry that even the attempt to shut down the department could create instability and harm students.
“The Department of Education plays a critical role in ensuring equal opportunities for all students,” said the head of a major teachers’ union. “Dismantling it would be a disaster for public education.”
Trump’s education policies extend beyond just the Department of Education. He has also pushed for:
While some of these policies resonate with conservative voters, they have faced strong resistance from teachers’ unions, civil rights organizations, and many education experts.
While Trump’s campaign continues to promote the idea of shutting down the Department of Education, the reality is that such a move faces serious legal and political challenges. Without a strong Republican majority in Congress, the plan is unlikely to succeed.
Even if Republicans were to gain control, the logistical challenges of eliminating the department would still be enormous. The federal government would need to determine what to do with its programs, funding, and employees, creating a massive bureaucratic challenge.
For now, the future of the Department of Education remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear—Trump’s education nominee’s recent statement makes it obvious that closing the agency won’t be as simple as some of his supporters had hoped.
As the 2024 election approaches, education policy is expected to remain a hot-button issue. Whether Trump’s plan gains traction will depend on the political landscape and whether enough lawmakers are willing to support such a drastic change.
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