Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. Citing decades of federal bureaucratic inefficiency, Trump stated that his order aims to empower local and state authorities to serve students, families, and educators better nationwide.
Trump’s Rationale: Empowering Local Education
The executive order explicitly states:
“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to enable parents, teachers, and communities to ensure student success best, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. Our Nation’s bright future relies on empowered families, engaged communities, and excellent educational opportunities for every child. Unfortunately, the experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollars—and the unaccountable bureaucracy those programs and dollars support—has failed our children, our teachers, and our families.”
The Trump administration argues that educational outcomes remain disappointing despite substantial federal investments, including approximately $200 billion during the COVID-19 pandemic and an annual expenditure exceeding $60 billion. Recent National Assessment of Educational Progress scores indicate that 70% of eighth graders struggle with reading proficiency, and 72% lack math proficiency.
Furthermore, the executive order emphasizes the overwhelming burden of the federal student loan program, managing over $1.6 trillion in student debt with limited resources. Trump advocates transferring these functions back to the states and specialized financial institutions that are better equipped to manage such responsibilities.
Support from School Choice Advocates
Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children (AFC), praised Trump’s initiative:
“With this executive order, President Trump continues taking steps to fulfill his campaign promises on education. Closing the Department of Education and returning authority to the states marks dismantling a failed bureaucratic machine in Washington D.C. It is now up to Congress to send school choice legislation to his desk, completing the administration’s educational reform agenda.”
School choice proponents argue that empowering state and local communities through increased parental choice and competition will foster innovation, accountability, and improved educational outcomes.
Strong Opposition and Concerns
However, Trump’s action has triggered fierce opposition, especially from Democrats, teachers’ unions, and education advocates who argue that the move threatens critical funding for schools, student financial aid, and protections for vulnerable populations.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa strongly criticized the executive order, saying:
“This executive order is a slap in the face to Texas students, teachers, and working families. Dismantling the Department of Education and promoting school voucher schemes will devastate schools across Texas, especially rural and low-income communities that rely heavily on federal funding.”
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) joined the criticism. Sheria Smith, AFGE Local 252 President, warned:
“Terminating thousands of federal employees haphazardly won’t strengthen our schools—it will threaten the very funding that keeps them operational, impacting livelihoods and the future of families across the nation.”
Texas Democrats Highlight Potential Impact
Texas Democrats and union leaders highlight the practical consequences of losing federal support:
• Nearly 20% of Texas public school funding could disappear, jeopardizing programs for low-income students, students with disabilities, and career education initiatives.
• Texas stands to lose nearly $2 billion in Title I funding, which is crucial for schools serving economically disadvantaged communities.
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), enforced federally, could lose oversight, further disadvantaging disabled students in Texas—a state already criticized for inadequately funding special education.
Zeph Capo, President of the American Federation of Teachers Texas, emphasized the potential harm:
“The Department of Education has been essential in holding Texas accountable. Trump’s executive order aligns dangerously with Governor Greg Abbott’s push to starve public schools of resources, shame them for failing arbitrary standards, and ultimately privatize education.”
Nationwide Debate Continues
Trump’s bold move sets the stage for a national debate over the federal government’s role in education. Supporters see an opportunity for radical reform and increased local control, while opponents fear the erosion of equitable educational opportunities and protections established over decades.
While Trump’s executive order signals significant change, the department’s full closure depends on congressional action, which may prove challenging given current political dynamics.
As the nation debates these sweeping educational reforms, the future of millions of American students is at stake.
