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Donald Trump is about to begin his term as president. Many things will change under his leadership, including education policies.
Donald Trump at the Palm Beach Convention Center on election night, November 6 (Credit: Allison Robbert/Pool via AP, Archive)
The Department of Education (DOE) is the federal agency, managing education programs, funding, and laws. Let’s talk about what lies ahead for the DOE under Trump’s administration.
Overview of Trump’s Education Policies
Key Promises for K-12 Education
“Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work, and in life and the world of keeping our country strong, so they can grow up to be happy, prosperous, and independent citizens”, said Trump.
Trump’s education plan focused on expanding school choice. You can read more here.
Key Trump’s promises:
- Remove lessons on critical race theory and gender topics
- Bring back patriotic education through the 1776 Commission to focus on American values
- Protect women’s sports by preventing transgender athletes from competing in female categories
- Give parents more control in education, including electing school principals
One of Trump’s main promises was to abolish the DOE.
The promises attracted support from many but also raised concerns. We’ll explore the potential drawbacks in the next sections.
Impact of GOP-led States on Education
Trump promised, “And one other thing I’ll be doing very early in the administration is closing up the Department of Education in Washington D.C. and sending all education and education work and needs back to the States”.
Republican-led states are likely to follow Trump’s plan to reduce federal control over education. Local governments set their own rules, which can lead to uneven school funding and resources. Wealthy areas could have better schools, while poorer districts might struggle to handle overcrowded classes, outdated materials, and fewer programs. This will make the gap in education quality between communities even bigger.
Potential Changes During Trump’s Presidency
Trump’s proposals aimed to reduce the DOE’s influence on public education. Budget cuts were proposed, potentially defunding programs for disadvantaged students. Privatization efforts were set to reshape K-12 education, shifting focus from public to private systems. These changes challenged the role of public schools and altered the federal government’s involvement in education nationwide.
The Future of the Department of Education
Proposals to Abolish the Department of Education
Some Republicans, including Trump allies, have proposed eliminating the DOE to shift control fully to states and local governments. They believe this will cut bureaucracy, thus giving the communities more control over education. Critics think closing the DOE will make education less fair.
Some even say this move does not meet real needs. Arne Duncan said, “Over my career, I’ve learned that parents only want three things when it comes to their children’s education: for them to feel safe, for them to be able to learn, and for them to be prepared for life. The biggest concerns among parents right now are bullying, the fear of school shootings, and the mental health of their children. Nothing of what I have heard coming from Trump and those around him addresses any of those issues, and that’s a massive miss, a massive disconnect. None of those issues are left or right… those are just real parents with real kids”.
Implications for Federal Education Standards
Federal education standards ensure students across the country learn the same basics. Shifting control to states could create different rules and learning goals. Some states might set higher standards, while others focus on local needs. This change could lead to gaps in how students are prepared for college or jobs.
Reactions from Educators and Administrators
Educators and school leaders have mixed feelings about these changes. Some say local control addresses the needs of the community much better. Others fear the losing federal oversight will harm public schools, especially in underfunded areas. Randi Weingarten expressed concerns about the possible closure of the Department of Education, “Why we need something like the Dept of Education is because it creates career pathways and ensures federal aid reaches our poorest students while protecting vulnerable learners’ rights. Reorganization can’t become an excuse to cut funding for those who need it most”.
Legacy Online School’s Expert Opinion
“Trump’s vision for the DOE marks a significant shift in how education is governed. Transferring power to states offers opportunities for localized innovation and customized approaches to learning. This move risks widening existing inequalities at the same time, as wealthier regions can better fund their schools while underfunded areas struggle to keep up.
Programs for low-income students and special education are lifelines for many communities. Reducing the DOE’s role could jeopardize these programs, leaving vulnerable populations without critical resources. Any reform must balance the push for local autonomy with the need for equitable access so every student has a fair chance to succeed, regardless of where they live”.
By Vasilii Kiselev, Founder and CEO of Legacy Online School
Contact the Legacy Online School team to learn more about how proposed changes to the Department of Education under Trump’s policies could affect schools, student programs, and educational equity.
