Fact Check: Is Trump Eliminating the Department of Education?
A DBUNK subscriber recently submitted a request asking us to verify claims that former President Donald Trump is taking steps to eliminate the Department of Education. This concern stems from statements made by Trump and his nominee for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, during her confirmation hearing.
What the Article Claims
An article published by Fox News on February 13, 2025, states that Congress must approve any move to shut down the department, as outlined by Linda McMahon in her Senate hearing. The article highlights Trump’s suggestion that McMahon “put herself out of a job” and reiterates his desire for the department’s closure. It frames the discussion around whether this effort is a serious policy goal or political rhetoric aimed at energizing supporters.
What’s Missing?
The article neglects some critical context. While Trump has expressed a desire to eliminate the Department of Education, actually dismantling it is a complicated legislative process. The department was created by Congress in 1979, meaning it cannot be shut down by executive order alone. A formal repeal bill would need to be drafted, pass through multiple congressional votes, and face potential legal challenges.
The article does not examine whether such a proposal has any real chance of passing. With a divided Congress and strong opposition to eliminating the department, the likelihood of this occurring is slim. Historical attempts to dismantle federal agencies, such as past efforts to abolish the Department of Education during the Reagan and Trump administrations, have consistently failed due to political and logistical barriers.
Is This Political Posturing?
While Trump’s rhetoric about eliminating the Department of Education is consistent with his long-standing criticism of federal oversight in education, similar promises were made during his previous term but never acted upon. The article does not acknowledge that suggesting a drastic policy shift, such as eliminating an entire federal department, can serve as a campaign talking point rather than a concrete plan.
Trump’s comments linking U.S. education rankings to department spending also lack crucial context. The U.S. ranks high in per-student spending, but factors like economic inequality, state-controlled curricula, and teacher compensation also play significant roles in education outcomes. The article fails to clarify that simply abolishing the department would not automatically address these issues.
The Verdict
The claim that Trump is actively eliminating the Department of Education is misleading without additional context. While he has expressed strong opposition to the department and McMahon has acknowledged the complexity of shutting it down, no formal steps beyond rhetoric and early discussion have been taken to abolish it. Without congressional approval, the department remains intact.
For those concerned about political misinformation and policy clarity, DBUNK helps cut through the noise. Stay informed and critical of claims that may be more about generating political momentum than producing realistic policy outcomes.
Download the DBUNK app to access more fact-checks and verify the news you see every day.
