Red States Back Trump’s Plan to Abolish Education Department
Jessica Blake
November 25, 2024
At least four Republican state leaders praised the president-elect’s plans to dismantle the agency, citing the need for more local control over K-12 schools. But higher ed experts say they’re overlooking consequences for colleges.
An increasing number of Republican state officials are supporting President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle the federal Department of Education. One even formed an advisory committee to prepare for any new responsibilities the state may take on as a result.
“What we want to make sure that we’re able to do is implement big changes in the fastest way possible,” Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters said Nov. 11 as he announced the formation of a Trump Education Advisory Committee. “We’ve been at the tip of the spear for the most aggressive, conservative education agenda already, and now with President Trump bringing in an even bigger set of reforms, we want to be the state ready to implement that.”
