President Donald Trump has taken a step toward "eliminating" the Department of Education by signing an executive order to dismantle it after more than four decades "with virtually nothing to show for it," the White House said in a statement.
On Thursday, Trump fulfilled a longstanding Project 2025 promise made during his campaign for re-election to abolish the "bloated and inefficient" department and delegate its responsibilities to the states.
Under the plan, the Treasury Department would handle student aid, the Labor Department would oversee vocational education, and the Department of Health and Human Services would manage disability education programs.
The move comes days after the department announced plans to reduce its workforce by about half, with affected employees expected to be placed on administrative leave Friday.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the cuts reflect the department's "commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents and teachers."
Several advocates and lawmakers applauded Trump. In a post on X, Governor Kim Reynolds wrote, "Education decisions should be made by those who know students best — parents, teachers, and local communities. Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump and @EDSecMcMahon, for your leadership and commitment to education freedom. It was an honor to attend today’s historic signing — Iowa stands ready!"
Sen. John Barrasso also posted on X that Trump "is improving America's education system."
"The true strength of our education system lies with the states and our local communities. Today’s executive order sidelines the Washington bureaucracy and puts Wyoming parents in the driver’s seat when it comes to their child's education," Barrasso wrote.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the state is ready and equipped to take over from the Department of Education.
“Virginia is ready to take full responsibility for K-12 education. We have implemented a high-expectations agenda that sets rigorous standards, holds schools accountable for results, and prioritizes resources for the students and schools that need the most support,” Youngkin said in a statement.
“We welcome the federal government’s shift of responsibility to the states, and we are grateful that President Trump's executive order does just that. The order also makes it clear that there will be no discrimination in the classrooms. We will continue to ensure every student graduates career-, college- or military-ready.”
Reuters reported that Democratic Party leaders including U.S Senator Patty Murray lamented that the executive order could gut the department without congressional action.
