In a bold stroke that has sent ripples through the education sector, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order today, initiating the closure of the Department of Education. After squandering over $3 trillion on a venture that many argue has yielded little in terms of academic success for over four decades, Trump’s audacious plan seeks to pivot educational oversight back to the states.
Immediate support for President Trump’s executive decision came pouring in:
Governor Greg Abbott: “I’m at the White House now, witnessing President @realDonaldTrump as he rightfully returns control of education to the states—where it truly belongs.”
Governor Mike Braun: “Education is fundamentally a state and local matter. I stand behind President Trump’s courageous move to shift education back into the hands of parents and communities. Indiana has seen remarkable progress, soaring from a mediocre rank to sixth nationally in reading. Hoosiers understand our educational needs far better than any bureaucrat in Washington.”
Governor Mike DeWine: “Every student, family, and community has unique needs… Granting states greater control over education allows us to customize our approaches to best serve our children, aligning with Ohio’s specific requirements instead of adhering to federal mandates.”
Governor Jeff Landry: “The U.S. allocates the highest funds for education yet consistently ranks low on numerous educational metrics. Change is imperative—thank you, President @realDonaldTrump, for shifting education back to the states!”
Governor Bill Lee: “It’s a privilege to be at the White House today, as President @realDonaldTrump fulfills his promise of returning educational authority to states and parents.”
Governor Joe Lombardo: “Today marks a significant reform in Trump’s presidency: diminishing the Department of Education and empowering states. This executive order redefines what education can—and should—entail in our nation.”
Governor Kim Reynolds: “Education decisions should rest with those who know our students best—parents, educators, and local communities. Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump, for your leadership in promoting educational freedom. It was an honor to witness today’s historic signing—our state is ready!”
Governor Larry Rhoden: “I am grateful to have a president who understands that South Dakota can craft better educational policies than Washington ever could. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for this executive order that restores educational authority to the states and the people.”
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders: “President @realDonaldTrump recognizes that a uniform approach fails to address the needs of every child. Thank you, Mr. President, for standing up for parents and students nationwide!”
Governor Kevin Stitt: “Today is a monumental day for dismantling the Department of Education.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin: “Virginia is poised to take full responsibility for K-12 education. We’ve implemented high standards and emphasized accountability. We welcome the federal shift of responsibility and appreciate President Trump’s executive order, which ensures no discrimination in classrooms. We aim to prepare every student for careers, college, or military service.”
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy: “I concur with President Trump that the Department of Education has not fulfilled its purpose. Since congressional approval is needed to shut down the Department, I will support the President’s objectives by proposing relevant legislation at the earliest opportunity.”
Senator John Barrasso: “President Trump is enhancing America’s education landscape. The strength of our educational framework lies within the states and local communities. Today’s executive order diminishes the power of Washington’s bureaucracy and empowers Wyoming parents in shaping their child’s education.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn: “I wholeheartedly support President Trump’s initiative to eliminate the Department of Education. Let’s bring funding back to students and states.”
Senator John Cornyn: “I commend this audacious move by @POTUS and @EDSecMcMahon to relinquish education policy to state and local educators and parents. Texas is a frontrunner in parental empowerment, and this decision reflects a commitment to prioritize children over unions, unlike the Biden administration.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin: “Parents are aware of the facts, and statistics show that federal control of education isn’t yielding results. Trump’s actions empower families, teachers, and local communities to enhance educational outcomes and opportunities for students. Promises made, promises kept.”
Senator Rand Paul: “My father introduced legislation to abolish the Department of Education back in the early ’80s. Rep. Massie has continued this initiative, and I’ve presented the Senate version. Thanks to President Trump for moving towards returning education to the states.”
Senator Pete Ricketts: “Federal education policy should empower parents, states, and local districts, rather than distant bureaucrats. This administration is refocusing the Education Department on its core mission and delegating power back to the local level.”
Senator Mike Rounds: “The federal Education bureaucracy has never taught a single student. It’s time to dissolve it. Today’s announcement is a significant step forward. Congress should take cues from the executive branch and act accordingly. I am drafting legislation to return educational authority to states and local districts while maintaining critical programs like special education and Title I.”
Senator Rick Scott: “As the federal Department of Education has expanded, student performance has consistently deteriorated. @POTUS & @EDSecMcMahon’s decisive action will empower parents, teachers, and students to make decisions that foster student success.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville: “The federal government has no place in classrooms, plain and simple. Promises kept, promises delivered.”
Speaker Mike Johnson: “For decades, the federal Department of Education has fallen short for our students, families, and educators. Education is best managed by parents and teachers closest to the students, not bureaucrats in Washington, DC. President Trump is fulfilling his promise by reallocating education to the states.”
Chairwoman Lisa McClain: “The U.S. Department of Education has pushed divisive policies for too long. There’s excessive federal bureaucracy. Despite increasing expenditures, test scores have stagnated. We must direct funds toward students, not administrators. I look forward to collaborating with @POTUS and @EdSecMcMahon to enhance education in America.”
House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg: “Improving education hinges on empowering parents and students while reducing Washington’s bureaucratic influence. Over the past four years, we’ve witnessed the benefits of empowering the Department of Education. … We now have a Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, who appreciates the necessity of minimizing federal interference. I look forward to collaborating with her to liberate students, families, educators, and taxpayers from federal constraints.”
Representative Brian Babin: “President Trump just reclaimed education from elitist agendas and restored it to parents! His executive order guarantees that states—not Washington—will dictate education for our children.”
Representative Jim Baird: “This executive order marks a monumental leap towards realizing school choice for every family, bolstering educational outcomes, empowering parents, and revitalizing American education.”
Representative Stephanie Bice: “Today’s executive order from @POTUS empowers parents and reaffirms our commitment to prioritize our children’s educational needs above the interests of Washington bureaucrats. This measure will streamline funding processes to states and localities.”
Representative Andy Biggs: “Despite record funding for public schools, test scores are at historic lows. The radical Biden-Harris regime weaponized the Department of Education against its critics. President Trump is rightly returning control to the states and parents.”
Representative Ben Cline: “President Trump’s executive order to begin shutting down the federal education department prioritizes parents and students by restoring local control over education. The Department of Education has long pushed divisive policies instead of focusing on student success.”
Representative Michael Cloud: “The Department of Education has failed to educate our children for decades, instead promoting CRT and allowing boys in girls’ bathrooms. Dismantling this bureaucracy and returning power to states and parents is crucial for making America the best in the world in education again.”
Representative Andrew Clyde: “President Trump recognizes that we can—and must—do better. It all starts with dismantling the Department of Education.”
Representative Eli Crane: “Insanity is repeating the same actions while expecting different results. The Department of Education has failed our students for decades. It’s time to forge a new path. Thank you, President Trump, for your courage.”
Representative Mike Collins: “Federal involvement in education has been a failure from the start. I wholeheartedly support @POTUS’s executive order to return education to parents, states, and communities, moving away from failing federal systems.”
Representative Jeff Crank: “I have long advocated for eliminating the Department of Education. I commend @POTUS Trump’s decision to return educational authority to parents and local governments, where it rightfully belongs.”
Representative Byron Donalds: “The @usedgov has FAILED. It has prioritized bureaucracy over our children’s success. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for signing this historic executive order. It’s time to return education to the states, ensuring our kids achieve not just grade-level performance but proficiency.”
Representative Tom Emmer: “The best education is closest to the child. This is a triumph for America’s children! Thank you, @POTUS.”
Representative Chuck Edwards: “.@POTUS has officially signed an executive order to close the Department of Education, restoring authority to the states and parents who know best what their students need to succeed. The historically high funding for the department has not translated into success, as evidenced by persistently low student test scores. This order prioritizes our youth’s interests by eliminating the bureaucracies that hinder quality education.”
Representative Russell Fry: “Since its creation, the @usedgov has spent over $3 TRILLION! And for what? America languishes with some of the lowest test and literacy scores globally. @POTUS is shifting control of the purse back to those closest to our children—parents and states.”
Representative Virginia Foxx: “It’s gratifying to witness this change.”
Representative Lance Gooden: “The Department of Education neither runs a single school nor teaches a single student, yet it expended $268 billion last year. I commend President Trump’s plan to dismantle this bloated bureaucracy and restore power to parents!”
Representative Andy Harris: “The Department of Education has strayed from its mission by promoting everything EXCEPT the fundamentals of education: reading, writing, and arithmetic. President Trump is returning control back to the states, empowering parents and students.”
Representative Mark Harris: “Despite the continuous influx of taxpayer dollars into the Department of Education, it has utterly failed its mission. Our education system has worsened. National test scores reveal that many students have been left behind. President Trump is correct—the Department of Education must be dismantled. I commit to utilizing every resource at my disposal to assist him in restoring authority to parents and local teachers. They know what is best for our children—not the unelected bureaucrats in Washington. Let’s make education great again!”
Representative Diana Harshbarger: “President Trump’s executive order instructing the Secretary of Education to take all necessary measures for the permanent closure of the Department of Education is a monumental development. Our children’s education should be guided by states and parents—not the federal government, which has proven to be a financial sinkhole with no positive impacts on students!”
Representative Erin Houchin: “President Trump’s executive order to scale back the federal Department of Education will restore control of education to states and local communities. This will empower parents and families to make decisions regarding their students’ education rather than Washington bureaucrats. The federal DOE has failed to yield results for our students for decades. This order, along with forthcoming legislation, will prioritize academic excellence, innovation, and parental choice while reducing federal overreach. It’s a victory for families and the future of America’s students!”
Representative John James: “It’s official: @POTUS has signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education! The outcomes of education have been dismal since the Department’s inception, and it’s high time we hand over decision-making authority back to the states!”
Representative Jim Jordan: “Democrats desire federal bureaucrats to oversee your child’s education. Republicans aim to give parents the autonomy to do what is best for their children.”
Representative Nancy Mace: “Thank you, President Trump, for returning education to the states where it belongs.”
Representative Addison McDowell: “There it is—@realDonaldTrump fulfilling yet another promise! Under the Department of Education’s oversight, math and reading scores have plummeted to historic lows. Change is imperative. President Trump is prioritizing children and parents.”
Representative Mary Miller: “Today heralds a historic moment for students and parents across America. As a mother of seven homeschooled children, I commend President Trump for fulfilling his promise to dismantle the Department of Education and restore parental control. For far too long, our students have been overlooked by unaccountable Washington bureaucrats and a bloated system that has failed them academically. Our nation now has the chance to enhance educational freedom, increase opportunities for families, and unlock our full potential.”
Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks: “For years, the DOE has prioritized ideological agendas over merit, and special interests over students. Meanwhile, math and reading proficiency at grade level has dropped sharply. That era has ended. States, local governments, and Iowa parents are better equipped to address our students’ needs than DC bureaucrats. I remain dedicated to collaborating with President Trump to advance education in America while ensuring FAFSA reforms and uninterrupted Pell Grants.”
Representative Barry Moore: “President Trump continues to deliver on the promises he made to the American people. This is a significant move towards restoring the United States as a global education benchmark!”
Representative Troy Nehls: “President Trump has just signed an executive order to return educational authority to states and families—where it rightfully belongs. Unelected bureaucrats should not control our children’s education. It’s time for states and families to take charge.”
Representative Ralph Norman: “Wave goodbye to overregulation and welcome a system where STATES dictate educational policies. Essential programs within the @usedgov will remain intact, while efficiency will be restored!”
Representative Andy Ogles: “For too long, the Department of Education has corrupted students’ minds with radical, anti-American curricula. It has overseen a dramatic decline in American literacy and international standings. Thank you, @POTUS, for taking steps to dismantle the DOE and return education to the states.”
Representative Burgess Owens: “The Education Department was a byproduct of a deal between President Carter and teacher unions to surrender educational policy to a cadre of bureaucrats who prioritize their power over student education. It’s time to place states in charge and put parents in the driver’s seat.”
Representative Scott Perry: “The Constitution does not provide any mandate for federal involvement in education—for good reason. The responsibility for educating our children was rightfully assigned to the States, and I support its return to them—ensuring effective and uninterrupted delivery of services and programs that the American people rely on. The Department of Education has wasted TRILLIONS since 1980 without improving student achievement. Change is overdue.”
Representative August Pfluger: “We all share the same goal: a robust education system prioritizing our children’s needs. Regrettably, the Biden administration has weaponized the Department of Education, resulting in record public school funding alongside record low test scores. Today’s executive order shifts power back to states and parents for educational decision-making.”
Representative Chip Roy: “A triumph for students, teachers, and parents. A setback for union leaders and bureaucrats.”
Representative Keith Self: “Groundbreaking news for every parent and student in America: Washington bureaucrats will no longer wield educational authority nor impose progressive social experiments on your children. Control over education is returning to YOUR state and YOUR family! Thank you, President Trump, for keeping your promise!”
Representative Adrian Smith: “We owe it to American students to evaluate whether they are better off since the Department of Education’s establishment over half a century ago. Since 2000, federal spending has surged by 649 percent, while student proficiencies and the number of ED employees have declined. It’s clear that such ineffectiveness is not worth the monumental expense. Parents deserve a more prominent role in the classroom, and the federal government should return this issue to the states.”
Representative Dale Strong: “I have long supported abolishing the Department of Education to prioritize students over bureaucracy. President Trump has taken the first step today with his executive order to return decision-making power to the states and parents. I will collaborate with him to ensure this is realized for our parents and children.”
Representative Greg Steube: “President Trump’s executive order is an excellent first step. Congress must follow @POTUS’ lead by permanently abolishing the Department of Education.”
Representative Marlin Stutzman: “The federalist structure upon which our nation was founded grants states the unique privilege to enact laws that best suit their residents. Regarding such a crucial issue as our children’s education, no one understands better than those closest to the situation. Unelected federal bureaucrats, often with minimal insight into the needs of the next generation, have squandered tax dollars and degraded the quality of education our children receive. President Trump and Secretary McMahon are restoring education to its rightful place—with our states.”
Representative Tom Tiffany: “President Trump is returning control of education to parents and local communities. Washington bureaucrats have spent trillions since the Department of Education’s inception, yet student achievement has declined. It’s time to provide our children with the education they need to thrive.”
Representative William Timmons: “Under the Biden Administration, the Department of Education squandered over $1 billion on grants aimed at entrenching radical ideologies in education. President Trump’s administration will eliminate the burden of progressive social experiments and obsolete programs from taxpayers.”
Representative Randy Weber: “President Trump has just placed parents back in control of education! No more Washington bureaucrats dictating the terms—power is reverting to the states where it belongs. A tremendous victory for students, parents, and freedom!”
Representative Daniel Webster: “President @realDonaldTrump is fighting to remove education from the hands of Washington bureaucrats, giving it back to parents! @POTUS’s plan will eliminate waste, broaden school choice, and prioritize the education of America’s children!”
Representative Tim Walberg: “I was honored to be present as @realDonaldTrump empowers students, parents, and teachers over bureaucrats.”
Representative Rudy Yakym: “The Department of Education has not fulfilled its mission—spending excessively while failing to enhance student test scores. Handing control back to the states means empowering parents and communities to create better opportunities for our children’s futures.”
Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters: “For too long, the federal government has weaponized education to impose radical leftist ideologies, stripping parents of their rights and directing funds to union leaders. President Trump’s executive order signifies a monumental shift in American history—the federal money grab ends today.”
Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera: “Virginians understand best what Virginia students require and what works here. As such, we should be responsible and accountable for results to the families of the Commonwealth. The President’s executive order guarantees that federal funds will reach Virginia with minimal red tape, allowing the State Board of Education, Virginia Department of Education, and local school divisions to invest those resources in the most efficient, effective ways that lead to improved student outcomes.”
Virginia Board of Education President Grace Creasey: “President Trump’s executive order to return educational leadership to the states not only empowers parents but also mitigates federal overreach. For too long, Washington bureaucrats have dictated one-size-fits-all policies that fail to meet the unique needs of Virginia’s students and schools. Reinstating decision-making authority and funding to the states can foster innovation, accountability, and better educational outcomes. This initiative is about returning control to parents and state and local leaders.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton: “I proudly stand with @POTUS as he returns education to the states, empowering parents and students, not federal bureaucrats.”
America First Policy Institute Chair Erika Donalds: “President Trump’s decisive action to restore control of education to states and local communities represents a pivotal moment for American families. … By eliminating federal overreach in education, we can cultivate an environment where innovation flourishes, parents have greater choice, and students receive the high-quality education they deserve. This initiative will permit states to tailor educational strategies to their specific needs, free from one-size-fits-all federal mandates, allowing voters to hold their state and local elected officials accountable for the resulting academic outcomes.”
Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts: “From its inception, the Department of Education has been a blunder. It was established on the false assumption that unelected bureaucrats in Washington know better than parents and local communities when it comes to educating children. For decades, it has funneled billions of taxpayer dollars into a failing system—one that prioritizes leftist ideology over academic excellence, all while student achievement stagnates and America falls further behind. As a fifth-generation educator—a professor, college president, and founder of a classical school—I’ve witnessed firsthand what truly works: empowering parents, local decision-making, and ensuring that funding follows students, not bureaucracies. Now, President Trump is once again proving he keeps his promises. He’s putting America first, restoring common sense, and dismantling the bloated, ideological bureaucracies that have hollowed out our institutions—starting with the Department of Education.”
Center for Education Policy Director Lindsey Burke: “This is a tremendous step toward restoring education control to states, localities, and parents. … Since the Department’s creation in 1980, inflation-adjusted federal education spending has more than doubled, yet student learning outcomes have remained flat, achievement gaps have persisted, and college prices have soared. Federal bureaucrats’ central planning cannot compare to the expertise that parents have regarding the needs of their own children. I applaud the Trump administration for taking significant steps to finally bring the agency’s closure to fruition.”
Discovery Institute’s American Center for Transforming Education Senior Fellow Dr. Keri D. Ingraham: “With today’s executive order, President Trump is fulfilling his promise to the American people to dismantle the ineffective and bureaucratic U.S. Department of Education and return control of education to the states where it rightfully belongs. This is a historic day for our nation, bringing us one step closer to achieving educational freedom for all families across the country.”
ACE Scholarships CEO Norton Rainey: “Education should be centered around our children. However, it is often hijacked by special interests more focused on advancing their agendas than serving the best interests of students. For 40 years, the Department of Education’s K-12 efforts have been, at best, a wasteful distraction. It’s time for a new approach that prioritizes children by increasing choice and empowering parents over Washington bureaucrats.”
American Federation for Children CEO Tommy Schultz: “With this executive order, President Trump is continuing to fulfill his campaign promises on education, and now it’s time for Congress to advance school choice legislation to his desk so he can fulfill his other mandate to the voters. Once President Trump signs this executive order directing the closure of the federal Department of Education, and subsequently signs the Educational Choice for Children Act into law, he will have dismantled a failed bureaucratic machine in Washington and expanded school choice to every state.”
American Principles Project President Terry Schilling: “The Department of Education has drastically failed its core mission. Instead of enhancing student outcomes, it has morphed into a bloated bureaucratic mess that squanders billions in taxpayer dollars while being exploited by the far left to inject DEI and radical gender ideologies into classrooms and sports fields nationwide. As a father who had to withdraw my children from public schools due to dismal educational outcomes, harmful ideologies, and the dismissal of parental input, I can attest to the damage that failing schools inflict on our children. We cannot continue down the path we’ve walked for the past 50 years—it’s sheer insanity. I am immensely thankful that President Trump recognizes the Department’s deficiencies and is taking steps to dismantle this ineffective agency.”
Defense of Freedom Institute: “The Department’s regulations and burdens have hindered rather than helped students. Despite spending $3 trillion over 45 years, the Department has overseen a drastic decline in academic progress and achievement in the United States. We commend President Trump and Secretary McMahon for their ongoing commitment to enforcing our civil rights laws and maintaining funding for low-income students and students with disabilities.”
American Legislative Exchange Council CEO Lisa B. Nelson: “President Trump’s ambitious vision to shrink the federal bureaucracy within the Department of Education and restore authority to the states signifies a long-overdue return to constitutional governance. This is the natural, unstoppable progression of the parental empowerment movement that gained momentum during the pandemic lockdowns. The states are prepared for this shift and have been advocating for it. This executive order represents a fundamental advance in the American education revolution. We fully endorse President Trump’s leadership in eliminating wasteful, bureaucratic mandates that impose political agendas and divert taxpayer funds from students. By reinstating state control over this funding, we will prioritize students, families, and teachers rather than the bloated bureaucracy in Washington, DC.”
Freedom Foundation CEO Aaron Withe: “The Department of Education has let down America’s children, parents, and communities for more than four decades. … Our Founding Fathers recognized that the most effective decisions about how to educate children are made by those closest to them—parents, local educators, and community leaders who comprehend their unique needs and values. By abolishing this unnecessary federal department, we can liberate states and local districts from oppressive regulations and finally diminish the excessive influence of teachers’ unions.”
The Center for Education Reform: “This long-overdue transition empowers parents, educators, and local communities—those who truly understand the needs of students—to take the lead in shaping the future of education.”
Moms for Liberty: “President Trump is taking vital steps to restore education to its rightful place: in the hands of educators who are closest to students in their classrooms across the nation.”
Independent Women’s Forum Senior Legal Analyst Inez Stepman: “Initiating the process to close the Department of Education signifies the beginning of the end of a misguided approach. … The substantial funds allocated to pay these bureaucrats and their six-figure salaries will now be redirected back to state education systems, where it can be utilized for what the American people deem as education: for students, teachers, and classrooms.”
Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Christopher Rufo: “This marks the culmination of a long campaign. Republicans have promised to abolish the Department of Education for nearly fifty years, but only President Trump is making it a reality. An extraordinary moment in history.”
School Choice Activist Corey DeAngelis: “Let’s Make Education Great Again.”
