Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee supports Trump disbanding Department of Education

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has unveiled a new school choice proposal that he believes will benefit students and parents in the state. The proposal comes after his first attempt at passing a school choice bill failed earlier this year.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Governor Lee expressed his support for President-elect Donald Trump’s possible dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. He believes that states, like Tennessee, are better equipped to handle education policy and funding, as they understand the unique needs of their students.

Governor Lee’s new school choice bill, titled the Education Freedom Act of 2025, was introduced to the state legislature this week. The bill aims to provide scholarships to up to 20,000 students, allowing them to use the funds for tuition, tutoring, technology, and examination expenses. The scholarships will prioritize low-income students who may not have the means to attend private institutions.

Despite criticism from Democrats who argue that school choice may disenfranchise low-income students, Governor Lee believes that every child deserves the opportunity to receive an education tailored to their unique needs. He also emphasized that the bill includes funding for public schools, bonuses for teachers, and a plan to raise teacher salaries.

Governor Lee pointed out that many states have already implemented school choice initiatives, with several achieving success in recent years. He believes that school choice is the key to improving educational outcomes and challenging the status quo in the education system.

Reflecting on his own education in Tennessee before the establishment of the U.S. Department of Education in 1979, Governor Lee emphasized that states are capable of funding education in a way that meets the needs of their students. He expressed his support for President Trump’s plan to eliminate the federal Department of Education, stating that it would empower states to make decisions that benefit their students.

As Cabinet nominations are underway, Governor Lee declined to suggest a specific candidate for Trump’s education secretary but emphasized the importance of selecting a leader who understands the challenges of federal bureaucracies and is committed to working towards empowering states.

In addition to the school choice proposal, Governor Lee highlighted the bill’s commitment to using sports gambling revenue for public school facilities, providing bonuses to teachers, and offering supplemental funding for school districts facing enrollment drops. He believes that through this legislation, Tennessee can strengthen its public schools and provide parents with greater freedom and choice in their children’s education.

Overall, Governor Lee is optimistic about the future of education in Tennessee and believes that the new school choice proposal will bring positive changes to the state’s education system.