President Donald Trump’s long-standing desire to close the US Education Department has faced significant obstacles, both from Congress and his own policy ambitions. As part of his broader vision to limit federal influence over education, Trump has advocated for slashing the department’s budget and winding down its operations. However, his plans have been met with considerable pushback, complicating his goal of fulfilling this signature campaign promise.
On January 30, 2025, Trump continued to signal his intent to eliminate the agency, aiming to reduce the federal footprint in education. His administration had prepared an executive order to initiate the process, but key elements of his vision are restricted by the reality of legislative and funding dynamics. Despite Trump’s fervent desire to close the Education Department, its existence and many of its programs are protected by federal legislation passed by Congress.
Congressional resistance and the limits of executive power
A major obstacle in Trump’s push to close the Education Department is the role of Congress. As reported by the Associated Press, much of the department’s budget, approximately $79 billion annually, is mandated by federal law. These funds support vital programs like Title I funding for low-income schools and federal student loans. Even Trump’s allies have raised concerns about how much he can truly cut without congressional support, as programs central to education are enshrined by bipartisan legislation.
Trump’s previous attempts to slash education spending during his first term in office faced resistance from Congress, with lawmakers increasing the department’s funding rather than cutting it, as the Associated Press noted. Trump’s new proposal to dissolve the agency would require Congressional approval, but given the need for bipartisan consensus, he faces an uphill battle.
Internal challenges and shifting priorities
In addition to the legislative roadblocks, Trump’s own agenda may be complicating his efforts. His administration has introduced new initiatives for the Education Department, such as promoting “patriotic” education and investigating schools teaching controversial topics on race and gender. These new priorities, while aligning with his broader ideological goals, only add more responsibilities to the department, further entangling his push to close it, according to the Associated Press.
Trump’s own cabinet picks have also raised questions about how far he’s willing to go in dismantling the department. His nominee for education secretary, Linda McMahon, was tasked with leading the department’s winding-down process. But during a press conference on February 3, 2025, Trump’s comment that McMahon’s first job would be to “put herself out of a job” seemed to acknowledge the complexity of the task, as reported by the Associated Press.
A difficult path ahead
Ultimately, Trump’s promise to close the Education Department faces significant hurdles, both from external opposition in Congress and from his own evolving priorities. While his administration has made moves to undermine certain functions of the department, the long-term goal of eliminating it remains elusive. As the Associated Press reports, the question now is whether Trump can convince enough lawmakers to support his agenda and overcome the inherent contradictions in his approach.
The future of the Education Department hangs in the balance as Trump’s push continues to collide with the realities of American politics.