Trump can order plan to abolish Education Department but will need Congress’ help

President Donald Trump is reportedly set to begin dismantling the Department of Education through an executive order, with the aim of shifting educational decision-making to families rather than bureaucracies. The move, expected to be signed as early as Thursday, is part of a broader effort to reduce federal involvement in education and empower states and local communities to make decisions about their own educational systems.

However, while Trump can significantly diminish the department through executive action, the complete abolition of the agency would require congressional approval. The Education Department was established in 1979 by Congress, and any legislation seeking to eliminate it would need to be passed by lawmakers.

Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has reintroduced a bill to abolish the department by the end of 2026, but passing such legislation would require a supermajority in Congress. Legal experts have noted that Trump would face significant challenges in garnering the necessary support from lawmakers, particularly Democrats who may oppose the move.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who was appointed by Trump to head the agency, has acknowledged that congressional approval would be necessary to move forward with any actions to dismantle the department. McMahon has indicated that the administration is working on a plan that could win the support of Congress, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to reforming the Department of Education.

The Trump administration has already taken steps to reduce the department’s funding and workforce, signaling its commitment to downsizing federal bureaucracy in education. Despite these cuts, a Department of Education spokesperson clarified that the agency does not control school curricula, teacher pay, student aid eligibility, or school funding, highlighting the limited role of the federal government in education policy.

As the administration moves forward with its plans to reshape the Department of Education, the debate over the future of federal involvement in education is likely to intensify. While Trump may be able to make significant changes through executive action, the ultimate fate of the agency will depend on the willingness of Congress to support his agenda.