Is the U.S. Department of Education on its last legs, or is this just another bold claim from Donald Trump? Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has reignited his long-standing mission to shrink—or even eliminate—this federal agency. With staff cuts, executive orders, and fiery rhetoric about “woke” agendas, the question looms: Has Trump really tried to dismantle the Department of Education? In this fact-based analysis, we’ll dig into his promises, actions, and the roadblocks standing in his way as of March 2025. Let’s separate the hype from the reality.
Trump’s Stated Goal: What Did He Promise?
Donald Trump has never been shy about his disdain for the Department of Education (DoE). Back in 2016, he campaigned on a promise to “eliminate it entirely” and return education to the states. Fast forward to 2025, and that rhetoric is louder than ever. In a February speech, Trump called the DoE a “bureaucratic disaster” that’s “spent trillions with no improvement in test scores” while pushing “radical woke ideologies” on kids.
His pick for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, echoed this sentiment, vowing to “streamline” federal oversight. But can words alone dismantle a federal agency? Let’s look at what Trump has actually done to back up his talk.
Actions Taken: What Has Trump Actually Done?
Since January 2025, Trump has moved fast to weaken the DoE. Here’s what’s happened by March 25:
- Executive Order on Staffing: In February, Trump signed an order slashing DoE staff by 50%, dropping the workforce from 4,000 to roughly 2,000. The White House called it a “cost-saving measure” to “eliminate waste.”
- Budget Proposals: His 2026 budget blueprint, released this month, cuts DoE funding from $80 billion (2024 levels) to $45 billion, redirecting funds to state block grants and school choice programs.
- Policy Shifts: McMahon has begun devolving responsibilities—like Title IX enforcement—to states, arguing it’s “closer to the people.” Student loan management, a $1.6 trillion portfolio, is also being eyed for privatization.
These steps align with Trump’s vision of a leaner—or nonexistent—DoE. But intent isn’t the same as success. The department still exists, limping along with a skeleton crew. So, how far can he really go?
The Legal and Political Reality: What Stands in His Way?
Here’s the catch: Trump can’t dismantle the DoE with a pen stroke. The agency was created by Congress in 1979 under the Department of Education Organization Act. Only Congress can kill it—and that’s a tall order.
As of March 2025, Republicans hold a slim Senate majority (53-47) and a narrow House edge. While some GOP lawmakers cheer Trump’s plan, Democrats and moderates aren’t on board. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) recently warned, “We can’t abandon federal support for disadvantaged students.” Past attempts—like Reagan’s in the 1980s—failed for similar reasons.
Public opinion is mixed too. X posts show a split: some parents hail “local control,” while teachers worry about funding gaps. Trump can weaken the DoE, but fully dismantling it? That’s a legislative battle he hasn’t won yet.
Impacts So Far: What’s Changed by March 2025?
Even without abolition, Trump’s moves are shaking things up:
- Operational Chaos: With half its staff gone, the DoE is struggling. Student loan borrowers report delays in payment processing, and civil rights complaints are piling up.
- State Responses: Some states, like Texas, are embracing the shift, boosting voucher programs. Others, like California, scramble to replace lost federal aid for special education.
- Voices from the Ground: Teachers on X lament, “We’re losing support for kids who need it most,” while some parents cheer, “Good riddance to federal overreach.”
The numbers tell a story too: the DoE’s $80 billion budget in 2024 funded 10% of K-12 education nationwide. With cuts looming, states face a $35 billion hole. The department isn’t gone, but it’s already on life support.
Did He Succeed? A Fact-Based Verdict
So, did Trump really try to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education? Let’s define “dismantle.” If it means total elimination, he hasn’t succeeded—Congress hasn’t acted. But if it means gutting its capacity, he’s well on his way. Staff slashed, budgets proposed to shrink, and key roles handed off—Trump’s taken concrete steps to hollow out the DoE.
As of March 25, 2025, the agency still stands, but barely. The verdict? Trump has tried to dismantle it, and he’s made serious progress toward crippling it. Whether he finishes the job depends on Congress and the courts. Keep an eye on McMahon’s next moves and any votes in D.C.
Conclusion: What’s Next for American Education?
Trump’s war on the Department of Education is more than political theater—it’s a real push with real consequences. He’s weakened federal oversight, but the DoE’s fate hangs in the balance. Will states rise to the challenge, or will gaps widen for students who need help most? One thing’s clear: education in America is at a crossroads.
What do you think—should the DoE stay or go? Share your thoughts below, and stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story.