Trump’s Education Overhaul Alarms Democrats, Shows GOP’s Right Shift/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to dismantle the U.S. Education Department. The move reflects a sharp rightward shift in the GOP and fulfills a longstanding conservative demand. Critics warn it could harm vulnerable students and spark legal and political backlash.
Trump’s Education Department Shutdown – Quick Look
- Executive Order Signed: March 20, 2025
- Goal: Close the U.S. Department of Education
- Supporters: Trump base, Moms for Liberty, Newt Gingrich
- Critics: Education advocates, Democrats, former GOP officials
- Staff Cuts: ~50% of department already eliminated via DOGE
- Historic Context: Reverses 1979 law signed by President Jimmy Carter
- Legal Hurdles: Closure requires congressional approval; lawsuits expected
- Political Impact: Could energize GOP base, alienate moderates
- Key Quote: “Trump has called the bluff.” — Margaret Spellings
- Polls: 60% of voters oppose eliminating the department
Deep Look – Trump’s Call to Close Education Department Shows GOP’s Rightward Shift
WASHINGTON, Mar. 21, 2025 — In a dramatic moment that underscores both his power within the Republican Party and its increasingly hard-right shift, President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise and reversing a decades-old federal investment in public schooling.
The order represents one of Trump’s most symbolic and politically charged actions since returning to office — and sends a clear signal about his administration’s aggressive federal downsizing agenda, spearheaded in part by tech billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“People have wanted to do this for decades,” Trump said, holding up the order at a White House ceremony. “No one got around to it. I’m doing it.”
Standing next to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Trump joked that she would need “a new job soon.”
From Expansion to Erasure
The order stands in stark contrast to President George W. Bush’s 2001 expansion of federal education oversight through No Child Left Behind, which increased school accountability and federal involvement. Trump’s plan would undo much of that legacy.
Even Republican figures like Margaret Spellings, Bush’s former Education Secretary, admitted surprise.
“It was always a wink and a nod,” Spellings said of past GOP calls to eliminate the department. “Donald Trump has called the bluff.”
Legal and Political Hurdles Ahead
The executive order cannot fully close the department without congressional approval, and legal challenges are imminent. But Trump, operating through DOGE, has already eliminated nearly half of the department’s staff.
The move aligns with longstanding conservative skepticism of federal education control — dating back to Ronald Reagan, who first floated eliminating the agency in 1981. But unlike past Republican presidents, Trump appears determined to follow through.
Targeting ‘Woke’ Education
The executive order includes language aimed at removing federal funding from schools promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — aligning with Trump’s culture war priorities and his crusade against what he calls “leftist indoctrination” in public schools.
“The American people woke up,” said Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, who attended the signing. “This department enabled unions and bureaucrats to make decisions not in kids’ best interests.”
Risks to Vulnerable States and Students
States that rely most heavily on federal education funding — including Mississippi, Montana, and North Carolina — are among Trump’s strongest bases of support. Critics warn the closure could jeopardize programs like Title I for low-income students and services for students with disabilities.
“Education is the route to the American Dream,” Spellings said. “The federal role is to level the playing field. If that’s still true, we’re in the process of finding out.”
Right-Wing Momentum, Internal Tensions
Trump’s move reflects not only his unquestioned influence over the GOP, but also the party’s increasing alignment with right-wing populism. Calls to abolish the department reemerged after COVID-19 school closures, which inflamed conservative backlash.
Still, not all Republicans are on board. In 2023, 60 House Republicans voted against closing the department.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who once voted to create the department, now calls it an “abject failure.”
Public Opinion and 2028 Fallout
Polls suggest Trump’s move may not sit well with the broader electorate. According to recent surveys, 60% of Americans oppose eliminating the Education Department, including a significant share of independents.
Democratic pollster John Anzalone warned the action could backfire.
“Education is popular with voters,” he said. “If Democrats can frame themselves as defenders of public education, that’s a winning contrast.”
Two Americas, One Education Fight
For all of Trump’s anti-federal rhetoric, his administration has wielded the Education Department aggressively — threatening schools and universities with funding cuts over civil rights issues, including DEI policies and pro-Palestinian protests.
In recent weeks, the administration has moved to strip grants from Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, further escalating its culture war agenda in education.
“Trump doesn’t just want to shrink government,” said a former White House aide. “He wants to reshape it around his worldview.”
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