President Donald Trump has taken a significant stride toward fulfilling a major campaign promise by issuing an executive order aimed at dismantling the federal Department of Education. This bold move seeks to address the failures of what he describes as an unaccountable bureaucracy that squanders billions of taxpayer dollars while educational standards decline. According to conservative news outlets like Fox News, this decision marks a pivotal moment in Trump’s commitment to streamlining government and returning control to the states.
The executive order directs the Education Secretary to begin the process of closing down the department and redistributing educational authority to individual states. It also calls for the elimination of federally funded programs related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” or “gender ideology.”
A White House fact sheet highlights that the Education Department has spent over $3 trillion since 1979, yet math and reading scores have worsened, burdening local school districts with excessive regulations.
Trump’s executive action aligns with a separate order issued in January, which aimed to expand educational freedom through increased school choice. This initiative emphasizes parental control, allowing families to choose the best educational opportunities for their children, regardless of income. However, executive actions can be easily reversed, underscoring the need for legislative support to ensure these reforms endure beyond Trump’s presidency.
Enter Sen. Mike Rounds, a steadfast ally of President Trump, who is working on legislation to cement these changes. Speaking with Fox News, Rounds expressed his commitment to reviving a bill he introduced last year that would dismantle the federal Education Department and transfer its functions to states and local districts. “The federal BUREAUCRACY of Education has never educated a single student,” Rounds stated emphatically. “It’s time to shut it down.”
Rounds believes that Congress should follow the executive branch’s lead and act accordingly. He is drafting legislation that would return educational decision-making to states and local school districts while preserving essential programs like special education and Title I. This effort is being coordinated with Secretary McMahon, who shares Rounds’ vision for educational reform.
The senator initially introduced this legislation, known as the “Returning Education to Our States Act,” in November of the previous year. The bill seeks to eliminate the federal Department of Education and reassign necessary functions to other departments such as Health and Human Services and Interior.
Rounds argued that local control is paramount when it comes to education, as local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need.
Rounds’ proposal has gained momentum with the support of the Trump administration. He is optimistic about the path forward, emphasizing that local communities are better equipped to make educational decisions than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. By rehoming federal programs in other departments, Rounds believes this legislation provides a roadmap to achieve the ultimate goal.
Conservatives have long criticized the federal Department of Education for its inefficiency and lack of results. Many argue that the department’s regulations stifle innovation and add unnecessary burdens on local schools.
By shifting control to the states, proponents of this reform believe that education can be more effectively tailored to meet the unique needs of each community.
Critics, however, caution that dismantling the federal department could lead to disparities in education quality across different states. They argue that federal oversight ensures a baseline standard of education nationwide. Despite these concerns, supporters of the reform maintain that local autonomy will foster innovation and improve educational outcomes overall.
The debate over the future of the Department of Education is likely to continue as lawmakers consider the potential impact of these proposals. For now, President Trump’s executive order serves as a symbolic gesture of his commitment to reducing federal oversight in education. With Sen. Rounds’ legislation in the works, this issue is poised to remain a focal point in the ongoing discussion about educational reform in the United States.
As the legislative process unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how these proposed changes affect schools and students across the nation. The conversation about who should control education—whether it be the federal government or individual states—remains a contentious topic. Regardless of the outcome, this debate underscores the importance of education in shaping the future of America.
Brittany Mays is a dedicated mother and passionate conservative news and opinion writer. With a sharp eye for current events and a commitment to traditional values, Brittany delivers thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping today’s world. Balancing her role as a parent with her love for writing, she strives to inspire others with her insights on faith, family, and freedom.
