A draft version of the order claims the ‘experiment of controlling American education’ has ‘failed’ the public
A draft version of a new executive order indicates Donald Trump is set to abolish the US Department of Education, which has roots dating back to 1867.
The Evolution of the U.S. Department of Education: From 1867 to Today
While the modern U.S. Department of Education was officially established in 1979, its origins trace all the way back to 1867, when President Andrew Johnson first signed legislation to create the nation’s original Department of Education, according to its official website.
At its inception, the department had a singular mission: gathering and analyzing data on the nation’s schools. However, its status was short-lived—it was downgraded to an Office of Education just a year later.
Fast forward to 1979, and Congress revived the department with a broader and more ambitious agenda. The newly reestablished Department of Education was tasked with:
✅ Ensuring equal access to education
✅ Encouraging public involvement in federal education programs
✅ Driving improvements in education quality and effectiveness
From its humble beginnings as a data-collection agency to its crucial role in shaping national education policy, the department has undergone a dramatic transformation—one that continues to impact millions of students across the country today.
Trump Moves to Abolish Department of Education, Citing ‘Failed Experiment’
In a historic shake-up, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order today (March 6) to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, marking one of the most significant overhauls of federal education policy in decades.
The news, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes after the outlet obtained a draft version of the order and spoke with individuals familiar with the matter. According to the draft, the directive instructs newly confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department”—within the “maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.”
While the draft order remains “pre-decisional” and subject to change, it reportedly states:
“The experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollars—and the unaccountable bureaucrats those programs and dollars support—has failed our children, our teachers, and our families.”
Just days after her March 3 confirmation, McMahon wasted no time in setting the stage for sweeping reforms. In an email to staff, she outlined plans to “send education back to the states”, signaling a fundamental shift in how education policy is handled in the U.S.
If enacted, this move would mark the end of a more than 40-year federal role in education, reshaping the landscape of American schooling for generations to come.
Trump Pushes to Dismantle Education Department, Faces Senate Hurdle
President Donald Trump is moving full speed ahead with his plan to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirming the administration’s intent to “quickly and responsibly” eliminate bureaucratic waste within the department.
According to The Wall Street Journal, McMahon told staff that Trump and his supporters have charged them with “accomplishing the elimination of the bureaucratic bloat here at the Education Department—a momentous final mission.”
Major Legislative Hurdle Ahead
While Trump’s executive order sets the stage for a dramatic shift in U.S. education policy, the move would require a 60-vote majority in the Senate—a significant obstacle given the department’s vast responsibilities. The Department of Education currently oversees federal funding for nearly every public K-12 school in the country and manages $1.6 trillion in federal student loans.
Though the draft order does not explicitly mention Congress’ role, McMahon has previously acknowledged that congressional approval is necessary to fully dismantle the department. During her confirmation hearing, she stated:
“We’d like to do this right. That certainly does require congressional action.”
With Republicans and Democrats sharply divided on education policy, the fate of Trump’s order remains uncertain, setting the stage for a fierce political battle over the future of federal education in America.
