Thu Feb 06 11:00:00 UTC 2025: **Trump’s Plan to Dismantle the Education Department Faces Congressional Hurdles**
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump is moving forward with a plan to drastically reduce the size and scope of the U.S. Department of Education, though the initiative faces significant legal and political obstacles. While Trump has vowed to close the department entirely, a forthcoming executive order acknowledges the limitations of presidential power, instead directing Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon to begin winding down the agency while urging Congress to pass legislation abolishing it.
The president, who has repeatedly labeled the department as infiltrated by “radicals, zealots and Marxists,” has already taken steps to weaken the agency. Dozens of employees were placed on paid leave following an executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and a buyout offer was extended to encourage further departures. A team from Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” also visited the department this week, raising further concerns.
Trump’s plan, however, is hampered by the fact that many of the department’s key programs, including Title I funding for low-income schools and federal student loan programs, are mandated by Congress. Even some of the president’s allies question the feasibility of significantly impacting the department’s $79 billion annual budget without legislative approval. Previous attempts to cut the agency’s budget were met with Congressional increases.
Furthermore, Trump’s own initiatives, such as promoting “patriotic” education and investigating schools for teaching controversial topics, have created new work for the department. The president’s actions have already sparked alarm among schools and states reliant on federal funding, which constitutes roughly 14% of public school budgets. Minnesota state senators have expressed concerns about potential funding disruptions.
While some Republicans have expressed reservations about the plan’s popularity, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) recently introduced a bill to close the department by the end of 2026. However, a similar attempt in 2023 failed due to bipartisan opposition. The potential restructuring, mirroring aspects of the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, could see major programs transferred to other agencies, but the White House has distanced itself from this specific blueprint.
The plan has been met with swift condemnation from Democrats in Congress, who have vowed to fight the proposed changes. The controversy could also complicate the confirmation hearing for McMahon, with some advisors suggesting delaying the executive order until after her confirmation is secured.
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