Senator Rounds Proposes to Abolish the Department of Education Amid Trump’s Campaign Promises

FIRST ON FOX: In a move that signals potential shifts in U.S. education policy, Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced a new legislative measure aimed at abolishing the Department of Education. This proposal aligns closely with remarks made by President-elect Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign, where he expressed a desire to revoke the federal government’s role in education.

Details of the Legislative Proposal

On Thursday, Rounds unveiled the “Returning Education to Our States Act,” which seeks to dismantle the Department of Education and redistribute its responsibilities among various federal departments. This initiative comes on the heels of Trump’s assertion that his administration would take steps to return educational governance to state and local bodies.

During his campaign trail, Trump stated, “One thing I’ll be doing very early in the administration is closing up the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., and sending all education and education work it needs back to the states.” While some experts questioned the feasibility of such an action, especially regarding the need for congressional approval, the political landscape in Washington appears favorable to Rounds’ initiative, particularly given the Republican majority.

Senator Rounds’ Perspectives on Education Control

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Senator Rounds expressed his strong opposition to the federal education bureaucracy: “The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good.” He emphasized the importance of local control in education, highlighting the pivotal role that local teachers and school boards play in shaping students’ educational journeys.

“Everyone raised in South Dakota can think of a teacher who played a big part in their educational journey. Local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.,” Rounds added.

Future Steps in The Legislative Process

Rounds articulated a commitment to working alongside President-elect Trump and a Republican majority in both chambers of Congress to bring this vision into fruition. He described the legislation as a “roadmap” for eliminating the federal education department and effectively reallocating its programs to departments that are more pertinent to their function.

The proposed redistribution includes directing Native American education programs to the Department of Interior and shifting loan and grant programs to the Department of Treasury. The oversight of disability programs would transition to the Department of Health and Human Services, while career and vocational programs would become the responsibility of the Department of Labor. Additionally, the Fulbright-Hays Program, which supports research and training efforts abroad, would be moved under the State Department’s jurisdiction.

Context of the Proposed Changes

This introduction of the “Returning Education to Our States Act” follows President Trump’s recent announcement regarding his intent to appoint Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as the new Secretary of Education. Trump expressed his excitement about this selection, stating, “It is my great honor to announce that Linda McMahon, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration, will be the United States Secretary of Education.”

McMahon’s selection is significant, as it reflects Trump’s strategy to appoint individuals he perceives as allies in his efforts to reshape governmental structures. This aligns with broader Republican goals of reducing federal oversight and promoting state autonomy in educational matters.

Public Reaction and Expert Commentary

As the proposal unfolds, public reaction has been mixed. Supporters argue that centralizing education decisions at a local level could empower communities and tailor educational policies to better fit the needs of students. Critics, however, warn that such a drastic move could lead to disparities in educational quality and access, especially in underserved areas where federal assistance may be crucial.

Several education experts have voiced concerns regarding the implications of dismantling the Department of Education. Issues such as federal student loan programs, special education mandates, and civil rights protections in education could be jeopardized if control is shifted entirely to state governments. They also emphasize that removal of federal oversight might exacerbate inequities across school districts nationwide.

The Road Ahead

As the legislative discussions progress, it remains to be seen how this proposal will navigate the complexities of Congress. With the possibility of a Republican trifecta in Washington, Rounds’ bill may gain momentum, but it will likely face scrutiny from Democrats and education advocates who are concerned about the potential repercussions of such a sweeping change.

In summary, Senator Mike Rounds’ initiative to abolish the Department of Education aligns with President Trump’s campaign promises, signaling a significant paradigm shift in U.S. education policy. As discussions unfold on Capitol Hill, the implications of this proposal will be closely observed, not just for its potential impact on education but for broader implications across governmental functions as well.