In a move set to reshape the national education landscape, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order calling for a substantial reduction in the size and scope of the U.S. Department of Education, and the president's directive reflects his longstanding view toward limiting federal reach in education and enhancing state control.

The executive order, signed by Trump on Thursday, represents a significant shift in education policy, with intentions to transfer greater authority to individual states, though full dismantling of the department would still require congressional approval, as Fox News reports.

The White House's official release described the order as a step towards "handing over education to families" rather than leaving it to what it described as ineffective bureaucracies. This vision for reconceptualizing educational governance stems from goals expressed by Trump throughout the 2024 campaign.

Plan to Preserve Critical Programs Emerges

Education Secretary Linda McMahon was tasked with spearheading this transformative process, focusing on transferring responsibilities to the state level while maintaining critical programs under federal oversight.

Despite the drastic reduction efforts, federal administration will continue for Pell Grants and student loans, distinguishing these from realms slated for state control.

Programs catering to special needs children will not face elimination but are set to move to other designated federal agencies, assuring continuity in support. Trump reinforced this assurance, expressing confidence that the redistributed programs would receive competent management elsewhere.

Congressional Actions, Legal Opposition Set to Unfold

The path to enacting these changes involves considerable legislative maneuvers. The full closure of the department would require congressional consent, as established by Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

To expedite proceedings, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) suggested the use of budget reconciliation, a method requiring merely a simple majority of 51 votes for passage.

In support of this initiative, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) aligned with Trump's viewpoint, blasted the Department of Education for its underperformance in fulfilling its intended mission.

Meanwhile, dissenters like Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) expressed staunch opposition to the move, urging courts to intervene against what he labeled a misuse of executive power.

Union Leaders Slam Decision

As the executive order advances, it faces opposition from educational unions, notably the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Concerns focus on potential ramifications for resource allocation and increased cost burdens for districts, prompting union leaders to voice plans for court challenges.

Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, warned that the implementation could detrimentally impact students nationally. Echoing this sentiment, the American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten signaled readiness to legally contest the directive, emphasizing their determination with the remark, "See you in court."

Public Skeptical of Nation's Educational Performance

Amid these unfolding developments, public satisfaction with the U.S. education system remains low, with only 24% expressing approval in a 2025 Gallup poll. This discontent comes as the "Nation’s Report Card" from 2024 discloses stagnant eighth-grade math scores and declines in reading proficiency.

The proposed educational restructure aligns with the administration's response to these troubling statistics, aiming to shift priorities and address systemic inadequacies. However, possible reductions in departmental resources and staff --controversial to some -- raise questions about the likely effectiveness of state-managed education.

Strategic Administration, Implementation Awaited

Despite mounting scrutiny, McMahon reassured that the administration's plans would preserve essential funding and prioritize adherence to legal mandates. She emphasized executing changes "responsibly" to ensure that entities assuming new roles are well-equipped and prepared.

This massive administrative overhaul targets for redundancy at least half the current workforce within the Department of Education from over 4,000 personnel, a move initiated earlier this month. The reallocation of resources seeks to streamline operations and facilitate a seamless transition of power to state authorities.

In conclusion, while President Trump's executive order aims to redefine the federal role in education through state empowerment, the envisioned changes are marked by extensive legislative and judicial hurdles.

As the debate unfolds, the ultimate impact on students, educators, and the future of U.S. education remains a focal point of national discourse.