President Donald Trump made good on one of his campaign promises this week, signing an executive order to dismantle the federal Department of Education.

This order came after several years of rampant discontent from many in the president's camp who consider the federal rules for education to be counter-intuitive to the American way of thinking.

As Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said in his support of the measure on X, formerly Twitter, “The federal government doesn’t belong in the classroom, plain and simple. Promises made, promises kept.”

The federal government doesn’t belong in the classroom, plain and simple.

Promises made, promises kept. https://t.co/UWklQPUA5X

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) March 20, 2025

What the Order Mandates

Trump's move dismantles the entire agency, though some of the functions of the department, such as Title IX protections and other federal interests, will still be performed by those in Washington, D.C.

The order instructs the Education Secretary “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.”

“Consistent with the Department of Education’s authorities, the Secretary of Education shall ensure that the allocation of any Federal Department of Education funds is subject to rigorous compliance with Federal law and Administration policy, including the requirement that any program or activity receiving Federal assistance terminate illegal discrimination obscured under the label ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ or similar terms and programs promoting gender ideology,” the order reads.

This is a decision that has been partially denounced by those on the left who consider it a critical part of the government's function to ensure educational standards nationwide.

Political Support

The White House released reactions from lawmakers and concerned parties about the decision, with Gov. Greg Abbott offering his support: “At the White House right now. Headed to see President [Donald Trump] return control of education back to the states—where it belongs.”

Sen. Rand Paul weighed in, saying “My father introduced legislation to eliminate the Dept of Education in the early 1980s. Rep. Massie continued the same bill – one sentence – and I’ve introduced the Senate version.  Thanks to President Trump for working to return education to the states.”

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry also supported the disillusionment, saying, "The United States spends the most on education, yet we are ranked at the bottom of nearly every poll. The time for change is NOW! Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump, for returning education where it belongs—the states!”

House Speaker Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) gave a thumbs up, saying “For many decades, the federal Department of Education has failed our students, families, and teachers. Education is best administered by parents and teachers and those closest to students, not bureaucrats in Washington, DC. President Trump is keeping his promise and returning education to the states.”

Trump's Take

Before signing the order, Trump emphasized that student loans, Pell Grants, Title I funding, and resources for children with disabilities and special needs will be “fully preserved” and “redistributed to various other agencies and departments that will take very good care of them.”

Trump also took the time to praise educators and said he hopes winding down the federal department will enable better conditions for teachers on the state level.

“Teachers to me are among the most important people in this country, and we’re going to take care of our teachers. And I don’t care if they’re in the union or not in the union — that doesn’t matter,” he said. “But we’re going to take care of our teachers. And I believe, I believe the states will take actually better care of them than they are taking care of [them] right now.”