President Trump’s executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education has sparked heated debate, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasizing the need to . McMahon, who vowed to “eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy,” argues that dismantling the federal agency will empower families to take charge of their children’s education.
McMahon has repeatedly highlighted the importance of parental engagement, stating that decisions about education “should be made as close to the children as possible”. She praised charter schools that require parents to sign contracts committing to support their children’s learning, calling such involvement critical for student success. The administration claims federal regulations drain resources better spent directly on students, with McMahon criticizing “burdensome paperwork” that distracts teachers from core subjects like math and reading.
The executive order directs McMahon to shrink the department while shifting responsibilities to states or other agencies. McMahon insists this will allow communities to tailor education policies without federal mandates, such as those tied to diversity initiatives or “gender ideology”. Programs like student loans and civil rights enforcement will temporarily remain under a smaller department before being reassigned.
Opponents, including Democratic lawmakers and teachers’ unions, warn that closing the department could jeopardize funding for vulnerable students, including those with disabilities. Twenty states have sued the administration over layoffs that halved the department’s staff, arguing it can no longer fulfill legal obligations. McMahon defends the cuts as necessary to reduce waste and redirect funds to classrooms.
While Trump’s order speeds the department’s downsizing, full elimination requires Congress to pass legislation—a steep hurdle given Democratic opposition. McMahon has pledged a “lawful and orderly transition” but faces skepticism about how states will manage complex programs like civil rights oversight without federal coordination. For now, the administration’s vision centers on dismantling what it calls a bloated bureaucracy, betting that local control will reinvigorate American education.
