File photo: US President Donald Trump (Picture credit: AP)

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that would axe the U.S. Department of Education, as reported by The Wall Street Journal—a move that could radically alter the landscape of American academia. Expected to be enacted as early as Thursday, the order aligns seamlessly with Trump’s long-held vision for education reform. The President has repeatedly expressed his intent to upend the department, branding it a “con job” and questioning its necessity. Now, the institution that has long served as the backbone of the nation’s academic framework stands on the precipice of extinction.
If implemented, this move could lead to sweeping transformations in education governance, policy execution, and financial allocations. The potential dissolution of the department raises urgent concerns regarding the management of billions in federal aid directed toward K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Experts warn that such a measure could unleash widespread disruptions, eroding the quality of education nationwide. The policy’s far-reaching consequences could prove especially dire for students from underprivileged backgrounds who rely heavily on federal tuition assistance, potentially leaving them in a precarious academic and financial state.

Federal oversight and funding at stake

The Department of Education has been a principal distributor of federal grants to disadvantaged schools and special education programmes. If dismantled, the responsibility for these funds would likely shift to state governments, raising concerns about disparities in allocation and oversight.

Student loan management in turmoil

The department currently oversees $1.6 trillion in student loans owed by millions of Americans, as reported by Reuters. Its dismantling could compel a drastic reframing of the federal loan system, potentially shifting oversight to private lenders or another federal agency. Borrowers may face uncertainty regarding repayment terms, debt relief programmes, and financial protections.

Disruptions to special education and arts programmes

Numerous federal initiatives, including those supporting children with disabilities and arts education, rely on funding from the Department of Education. Its elimination could jeopardise these programmes, potentially leaving students and educators without essential resources unless alternative funding models arise.

Acceleration of privatisation and school choice

Trump’s efforts to dismantle the department align with his broader vision of expanding school choice and minimising federal influence in education. Critics argue that such a move could accelerate the privatisation of public education, prioritising non-profit institutions at the expense of equitable public schooling.

Political and legislative obstacles

While Trump’s executive order could initiate the process, uprooting the department entirely requires congressional approval. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, appointed as the department’s lead a few days ago, has backed the proposal but acknowledged that legislative action is pivotal. Historically, efforts to dismantle the department have faced bipartisan resistance, with lawmakers wary of disrupting critical education funding channels.

Resistance from educators and advocacy groups

Teachers’ unions and education advocacy groups have vehemently condemned Trump’s proposal, warning that dismantling the department would weaken public education. Many view the move as part of a broader, continuous effort to shift control from the federal government to individual states, a transition critics say could exacerbate educational inequality.

Implications for higher education

Under former President Joe Biden, the Department of Education prioritised student loan forgiveness and policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eliminating the agency would likely lead to significant policy reversals, potentially undermining efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable.

The road ahead

If Trump proceeded with the executive order, it could mark one of the most consequential overhauls of US education policy in decades. Nonetheless, without congressional approval, an immediate shutdown remains unlikely. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Trump’s ambitious restructuring plan secures legislative support or encounters insurmountable legal and political challenges.
As further developments unfold, students, educators, and policymakers must navigate the uncertainty surrounding the future of federal education oversight.