A majority of Americans favor President Trump’s bold move to dismantle the Department of Education, signaling broad support for his vision to return educational control to the states and communities.
Quick Takes
- 51% of likely U.S. voters approve of President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, with 37% strongly approving
- Support follows party lines with 78% of Republicans approving the dismantling while 73% of Democrats oppose it
- Americans are evenly split on whether the DOE has improved schools, with 41% believing it has and 41% believing it has not
- President Trump has directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin winding down the department
- Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to formally abolish the Department of Education
Voters Back President Trump’s Education Department Reforms
A new Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that 51% of likely American voters support President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, with more than a third (37%) expressing strong approval for the move. This majority backing reinforces the mandate that propelled Trump back to the White House with promises to scale back federal control of education. The survey findings reflect deep divisions along party lines, with Republicans overwhelmingly supporting the president’s directive while Democrats largely oppose the action.
The Department of Education, established in 1979, has been a frequent target of conservative criticism. Many Republicans have long argued that the agency represents federal overreach into what should be state and local responsibilities. President Trump campaigned extensively on eliminating the department to return educational decision-making power to states, communities, and parents, contending that the federal agency has failed to fulfill its intended purpose despite enormous expenditures.
Americans Split on Department’s Impact
The Rasmussen survey also revealed that Americans remain deeply divided over the Department of Education’s actual impact on the nation’s schools. Exactly 41% of respondents believe the department has improved American schools, while an identical percentage think it has worsened educational outcomes. The remaining 18% feel the department has made little difference. These perceptions largely track with political affiliations, highlighting how education has become increasingly politicized in recent years.
“While 62 percent of Democrats think the department has made American schools better, 57 percent of Republicans believe it has made schools worse. Among votes not affiliated with either major party, 33 percent say the federal Department of Education has made American schools better, 44 percent think it’s made schools worse, and 17 percent believe it hasn’t made much difference,” according to Rasmussen Reports.
Independent voters are perfectly split on the dismantling effort, with 48% approving and 48% disapproving of the president’s executive order. This even division among independents reflects the complex nature of federal involvement in education, with valid concerns on both sides of the debate. Conservative voters, however, have long advocated for greater local control of schools and curriculum decisions.
Implementation Already Underway
The Trump administration has wasted no time in beginning the dismantling process. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has already initiated workforce reductions at the department, cutting staff by approximately half. These dramatic staffing cuts represent the first tangible steps toward fulfilling the president’s campaign promise to eliminate the department entirely. The White House maintains that the DOE has spent over $3 trillion since its inception with little measurable improvement in educational outcomes.
“Actually, it is, because that was the president’s mandate,” McMahon told Fox News’s Laura Ingraham on Tuesday. “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.”
While the executive order represents a significant step, completely abolishing the department would require congressional action. Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to formally eliminate the DOE, though passage faces challenges given the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a potential filibuster. In the meantime, the administration appears committed to scaling back operations dramatically through executive authority.
Critics Voice Concerns
Opposition to dismantling the department remains strong among Democrats and education advocacy groups. Critics argue that eliminating the DOE would negatively impact millions of students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who benefit from federal programs administered by the department. They also express concerns about the potential weakening of civil rights protections that the department currently enforces.
“Americans did not vote for, and do not support, ending the federal government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for every child,” said NEA President Becky Pringle.
Despite these objections, the administration appears determined to proceed with its plans, bolstered by the Rasmussen survey showing majority support among likely voters. President Trump has repeatedly emphasized his belief that education decisions should be made at the local level, with parents having greater input into their children’s schooling. This position resonates strongly with his conservative base, who have grown increasingly concerned about federal influence over curriculum and educational standards.
