A majority of Americans support President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, as the debate intensifies between those who view federal education policy as a failure and those who fear the consequences for vulnerable students.

At a Glance

• A Rasmussen Reports survey shows 51% of likely U.S. voters approve of President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education
• Opinions are split along party lines with 78% of Republicans supporting the closure while 73% of Democrats oppose it
• Education Secretary Linda McMahon has begun downsizing the department by cutting its workforce by half
• The Department has spent over $3 trillion since its 1979 creation, with critics arguing it has little to show for the investment
• Complete elimination requires congressional action, which faces significant hurdles in the Senate

Voter Support for Department Closure

The controversial move to eliminate the Department of Education has garnered majority support from American voters according to recent polling. A Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that 51% of likely U.S. voters approve of President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the agency, with 37% expressing strong approval. This support comes as the administration has already begun substantial staff reductions at the department, cutting its workforce by approximately half as an initial step toward full elimination.

Respondents appear evenly divided on whether the Department of Education has improved American schools during its existence. The poll shows 41% believe it has enhanced education while an equal 41% think it has not. This statistical deadlock reflects the larger national debate about federal involvement in education that has persisted since the department’s establishment in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter.

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Sharp Partisan Divide

Support for eliminating the Department of Education breaks clearly along party lines. “While 78 percent of Republicans approve of Trump’s executive order to begin shutting down the federal Department of Education, 73 percent of Democrats disapprove. Unaffiliated voters are evenly divided, with 48 percent approving and 48 percent disapproving of Trump shutting down the department,” according to Rasmussen Reports.

“The intent is clear, starve our public schools of the resources our students need and funnel these resources to discriminatory and unaccountable private schools or tax cuts for billionaires who funded his campaign.”, said Becky Pringle.

This division extends to perceptions about the department’s effectiveness. Most Republicans (57%) believe the department has made schools worse, while a strong majority of Democrats (62%) think it has improved education. Among independents, a plurality (44%) believe the department has had a negative impact, compared to 33% who see its influence as positive.

Implementation Challenges

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has acknowledged that complete elimination requires congressional action. “His directive to me, clearly, is to shut down the Department of Education, which we know we’ll have to work with Congress, you know, to get that accomplished,” McMahon told Fox News. Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to formally abolish the department, but the measure faces significant obstacles in securing the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

“Actually, it is, because that was the president’s mandate. His directive to me, clearly, is to shut down the Department of Education, which we know we’ll have to work with Congress, you know, to get that accomplished.”, said Linda McMahon.

The administration’s first step—cutting approximately half the department’s staff—has already generated controversy. Critics argue these reductions will impair the department’s ability to fulfill statutory obligations like processing financial aid applications and maintaining oversight of educational quality. Supporters counter that the downsizing represents an essential first step in returning educational control to states and local communities.

Competing Visions for American Education

President Trump has repeatedly emphasized his intention to eliminate the department, stating during his campaign and since taking office that “We’re going to eliminate it, and everybody knows it’s right, and the Democrats know it’s right.” His administration points to the department’s $3 trillion in spending since its creation with what they characterize as limited positive outcomes, citing persistent concerns about student achievement and standardized test scores.

Opposition to the department’s elimination centers on concerns about protecting vulnerable student populations. Programs like Title I funding for low-income schools, IDEA services for students with disabilities, and Pell Grants for college affordability could face disruption if federal education oversight diminishes.

The National Education Association has emerged as a vocal opponent, with NEA President Becky Pringle asserting that “Americans did not vote for, and do not support, ending the federal government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for every child.”

As this policy battle unfolds, the administration continues implementing its plan through executive action while pursuing the legislative path necessary for complete departmental elimination, reflecting a fundamental disagreement about federal government’s proper role in American education.